The Elements In Yoga
Over the next six months we’ll be working with the elements as our theme, which are earth, fire, water, air and space. Everything in nature is made up of these basic elements including our bodies and we can learn how to connect and balance these elements through our yoga practice.
It’s said when the elements are balanced, we’re in harmony with ourselves, and maintain good health and wellness. The elements can give us a greater appreciation of who we are and our part in the universe.
Whatever asana is performed, it should be done with a feeling of firmness, steadiness and endurance in the body; goodwill in the intelligence of the head, and awareness and delight in the intelligence of the heart.
The Earth Element
Our focus for March will be the earth element which is connected to grounding and stability. We’ll begin the month thinking about which parts of our body are strong, solid and stable.
The earth element is represented in everything that is solid within the body. Feeling our connection to the earth through our legs and feet will be the focus of our physical postures. We’ll also explore breathing techniques, mudras and relaxation/meditation practices that will connect us more to our earth element.
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Chapter II verse 46 the only mention of a physical posture is one that is, “sthira sukham asanam” which means that our posture must be steady and comfortable. We can take this focus into our physical postures during the month.
See you in class soon…