According to the teachings of yoga, five elements constitute our existence in the universe as we know it:
EARTH
WATER
FIRE
AIR
... and SPACE (the fifth element)
In this post, we will dive a bit deeper into each of them and how they relate to yoga philosophy.
Element: Earth (Prithivi) -
Connections with the yoga philosophy:
Chackra: Muladhara, 1st chackra.
Kosha: Annamayakosha, the physical body.
Keywords: Solidity, Stability, Grounding.
How to connect:
Barefoot walks outside.
Spend some time gardening.
Hug a tree - yes, it is great!
Asanas to practice:
Standing postures.
Pranayama:
Make gentle fists with the hands and gently drumbeat them on the chest, just below the collar bones, while practicing the Ujjayi breath.
Element: Water (Jala)
Connections with the yoga philosophy:
Chackra: Svadisthana, Sacral, 2nd chackra.
Kosha: Pranamayakosha, the energy body.
Keywords: Fluidity, Movement, Adaptability.
How to connect:
Drink a glass of water slowly, with awareness, paying attention to how the water flows through the body.
Allow yourself some minutes of rest.
Do something that brings you joy.
Asanas to practice:
Hip openers, moon salutations.
Pranayama:
Try the Ujjayi breath to feel the sound of ocean waves crashing along the shore.
Element: Fire (Tejas)
Connections with the yoga philosophy:
Chackra: Manipura, Solar Plexus, 3rd chackra.
Kosha: Manomayakosha, the mental body.
Keywords: Heat, Power, Transformation.
How to connect:
Go for a long walk in the nature.
Rub the hands and feel the heat between them.
Ingest healthy, nutritious warm food.
Asanas to practice:
Postures that encourage core strength, twists, and sun salutations.
Pranayama:
Breath of fire.
Element: Air (Vayu)
Connections with the yoga philosophy:
Chackra: Anahata, Heart, 4th chakra.
Kosha: Vijnanamayakosha, the wisdom body.
Keywords: Lightness, Irregularity, Movement.
How to connect:
Look up and watch the clouds and stars in the sky.
Listen to the wind in the leaves of the trees.
Breathe deeply, feeling the air travel through the nostrils, the trachea, and the lungs.
Asanas to practice:
Postures that encourage opening the chest and bending the spine backwards.
Pranayama:
Nadi breath, for deeper awareness of the relationship between the air, body, and mind.
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