Getting closer to the 5 elements of YogaAir. This element involves lightness, movement and expansion. The element of fire invokes intensity and abundance together with discipline and inspiration. Everything in nature is made up of 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether.
Each of the five basic elements (earth, water, fire, air and space) represents a state of matter. According to Ayurvedic teaching, the world and everything within it (including us) are made up of the five elements. And while it's easy to talk about the role that earth, water, fire, air, and even space play in our daily physical lives, it's also very beneficial to interact with them on a deeper, more personal level. By applying the five elements to your yoga practice, you have the ability not only to better connect with nature, but also to capture the significant characteristics of each of them within yourself.
As old as the Earth and the very substance of everything in the universe are the 5 elements, the Panchamahabhutas. Composed of Earth -Prithvi, Fire - Agni, Water - Jal, Air - Vayu & Ether - Akasha. These are the pillars of everything that surrounds us and yes, of everything inside us as well. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing, ujjayi breathing, and breaths that clear channels, such as Nadi Shodhana, help stimulate the element air.
The five elements come to life and manifest themselves in different ways when linked to consciousness through the phenomenon called Prana. Mentally, an unbalanced water element is associated with addiction, suppressed emotions, or lack of creativity. Here are some useful guidelines for those just starting out, more information on how the elements can affect your yoga practice, and variations in the style of asanas that can help you regain the balance of each element. It is recommended to stay in asanas (repeat and stay in asanas, include the static element) and do asanas with nyasa (holding a tennis ball or a small stone in your hands during the asanas helps to achieve a sense of grounding).
As for postures, Ustrasana (camel), Bhujangasana (Cobra), Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (bridge) and Urdhva Dhanurasana (wheel) take advantage of the air element. Let's take a closer look at each element, its unique qualities and properties with a corresponding yoga practice. The Yogasutra affirms that continuous meditation on the five elements not only makes us understand and manipulate the elements within us, but we also master the macrocosm. Postures that promote fluency and ease (such as Utkata Konasana, Paschimottanasana and Malasana) are ideal for taking advantage of this element.
There are many stories of great yogis in the past who had a profound knowledge and mastery of the elements and, therefore, were able to influence their own bodies and the environment in a way that seems incredible to modern minds, whether without being damaged by fire, walking on water, or walking through walls.
