The Air Element

This week we continue our exploration of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether/space. This week's focus is on the air element, located in the heart or the fourth chakra. It's name in Sanskrit is the Anahata chakra and has the color of vibrant green. 

As previously stated, these elements are an integral part, not only of our Universal environment, but of the subtle energy systems of the chakras. We have seven chakras, spinning wheels of energy, that run from the base of our spine to the crown of our head. When we experience our connection to the elements we are able to deepen our sense of an inherent relationship to all that's around and within us. Each chakra represents varying aspects of ourselves from the most physical to the most ethereal.

Air energy, the fourth of the seven chakras lies in the center of all the chakras, forming a meeting point of the lower three, more physically bound energy centers to the upper three more ethereal realms. 

What magnifies the significance of the air element in yoga is its relationship to the breath. We can go through our entire lives without being conscious of how we breathe. And what makes yoga unique is the connection to breath. If we practice yoga postures without any awareness of what's happening with our breath, we are simply doing calisthenics. It's the ability of pranayama (altering breath to change states) that penetrates through all the levels of our being from the most obvious physical body to the most blissful aspects of consciousness and it can be incredibly powerful. 

Research has shown that 80% of anxious symptoms can be reduced within a minute of diaphragmatic breathing. In other words, when we feel the stressors of life building up, we have one immediate tool to tear them down...deep, belly breaths that emphasize a longer and slower exhalation.

In order to expand the air element of our heart chakra we can incorporate within our yoga practice a regular pranayama (breath) practice as well as deepening our knowledge and awareness as to what is happening to the breath as we engage in different postures and sequences.  Poses that "open the heart space" such as backbends and expansions of the chest are also useful.  But in a deeper sense, everything comes together in the heart...the very physical grounding of the lower three chakras come to a sense of balance within the heart and at the same time, support the expansion and create a foundation for the energy to expand in this love focused part of our being. It also is a transitional point for how we speak our truth, follow our intuition and connect to higher consciousness through the upper three chakras. When we can come fully into our heart and embrace the air element, we begin to recognize how all of us are connected.

One of the ways this connection to all beings is evident is that we are all breathing the same air: the air that our ancestors breathed and that all beings are breathing throughout the world. We all share a common breath. Imagine if each of us literally lived and breathed these breaths from an intention of peace, compassion and love, what an incredible gift each of us, with every breath, would be offering to all beings everywhere. Truly, a breath of the heart.

We can further manifest the air element through wearing a rich, bright green color and chanting the bija mantra-yam, yam, yam and using such affirmations as:

I am loved. I let love in.

I am kind to myself.

I live in peace and gratitude.

We know that the air element is capable of touching all beings and that it is fundamental to simply being alive, we can't last long without air. So let's connect into this powerful place that dwells within the heart by moving our bodies from a place of self-care, by truly getting to know our breath, to recognize how this energy connects us to all beings everywhere and to support ourselves in creating a life that lives from a place of love...more powerful than any other emotion or action. Let's live in our hearts. Let's infuse ourselves and our communities with love. Let's enjoy this same breath that we all breathe as one.

The Fire Element

As we continue our exploration of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether/space this week's focus is on the fire element, located in the solar plexus or third chakra. This location can be found where the soft abdomen connects with the more rigid rib cage on the torso. It's name in Sanskrit is the Manipura chakra and has the color of vibrant yellow. 

As previously stated, these elements are an integral part, not only of our Universal environment, but of the subtle energy systems of the chakras. We have seven chakras, spinning wheels of energy, that run from the base of our spine to the crown of our head. When we experience our connection to the elements we are able to deepen our sense of an inherent relationship to all that's around and within us. Each chakra represents varying aspects of ourselves from the most physical to the most ethereal.

Fire energy, the third of the physically oriented chakras is about digestion, not only the physical aspect of digestion but also how we "digest" what's happening in our life.  Additionally, it represents the center of our own power and the transformation and self-esteem with the seed (bija) mantra of RAM. When we chant the seed sound, it's as though we are plucking the string of a violin or guitar that begins to vibrate. This vibration awakens and opens the energy of the chakra, helping us to connect to it more fully. The most powerful tool we have through chanting this sound is through our own voice. When we chant it alone or in groups and connect to the sound current,  we awaken our own energy and its potential to shift.

If we think about the energy of fire it's all about change, absorption and courage. To fully stand in our own power, we often have to "walk through the fire" of change. It's about finding the courage to begin the process of shedding limiting beliefs, about fully understanding our self-worth and standing up for ourselves. When in balance, we stand in our own power and in doing so, set the platform from which the upper four chakras begin to express themselves. This place of transformation can be wrought with challenges. Think of a time that required you to invoke your most courageous self. What did it feel like before you faced this challenge? How did you source the energy to face this situation? Were you able to overcome feelings of inadequacy and move forward? Did you let the strength of your convictions flow easily? What did this experience teach you?

In order to charge up our fire energy, we can incorporate within our yoga practice things that challenge or scare us, such as an inversion or that "difficult" pose that we avoid practicing at home. Twists and poses that engage the core muscles can "fire" up the Manipura chakra. We can add layers into manifestation through wearing bright yellow, chanting the bija mantra-ram, ram, ram and using such affirmations as:

I am courageous.
I am whole.
I stand in my power.

A blocked third chakra might be evident by someone who feels powerless, has low self-esteem or who hasn't been able to be heard. It is a place in which those who've been victimized may eventually find healing from their trauma. On the opposite end of the spectrum, people with an over-inflated element of fire (that which is out of balance with the other elements and energy centers), might seem "full of hot air", boastful and without substance. A great example of this are politicians seeking election. Bringing the fire element into harmony with our whole self is vital in creating a sense of power underlied by a sense of humility.

We know that fire is a transformative element with the example of a wild fire clearing the undergrowth of the forest in order to enrich the soil, clear debris that prohibits some plant species from thriving and awakening new growth...a true rebirth of energy. Although fire can be powerful and sometimes painful and even deadly, we know that it is often the spark that is needed for us to move along our own path of growth.

So what are you holding onto that could be cleansed out of your being in order for the next layer of growth to take place? How about working with the fire energy of your third chakra and see what happens. Move wisely as too little energy here will leave things unchanged and too much might blow things out of balance. Step into the fire with intelligence and let yourself be mesmerized by the flames.

The Water Element

Last week we began exploring the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether/space with the focus being on the earth element which lies within the muladhara chakra. This week, we've been working with the element of water which is housed in the second or Svadistana chakra.

As stated last week, these elements are an integral part, not only of our Universal environment, but of the subtle energy systems of the chakras. We have seven chakras, spinning wheels of energy, that run from the base of our spine to the crown of our head. When we experience our connection to the elements we are able to deepen our sense of an inherent relationship to all that's around and within us. Each chakra represents varying aspects of ourselves from the most physical to the most ethereal.

Water energy is associated with the sacral chakra and is located about two finger widths distance below our navel. This center is about fluidity, empathy, femininity, our connection to sensual energy and emotions. It has the color of vibrant orange and the seed (bija) mantra of VAM. Throughout the week during classes, we have been chanting vam which when broken down, the "V" sound buzzes at the lips, the "A" sound opens the throat/chest and the "M" (as in m-m good) hums throughout the body and skull. When we chant the seed sound, it's as though we are plucking the string of a violin or guitar that begins to vibrate. This vibration awakens and opens the energy of the chakra, helping us to connect to it more fully. The most powerful tool we have through chanting this sound is through our own voice. When we chant it alone or in groups and connect to the sound current,  we awaken our own energy  and it has the potential to shift.

If we think about the energy of water it's all about fluidity. When the water in a mountain brook takes its dowhhill journey and comes across a rock, it doesn't think "here's an obstacle, I'd better give up and turn around" but rather finds a way to move around it. Sometimes it gathers more energy waiting for more water to arrive, other times it moves over, under or around the boulder. If we think of the movement of the ocean, the tide ebbs and flows, the waves roll in and out. Within the water element there exists a definite feeling of freedom and letting go.

The second chakra is related to emotions. When this chakra is in balance, our emotions flow through us, just as the element of water does and whatever emotions are present are simply there without judgment. When we connect to this energy, we begin to recognize what emotions might be present. For example, if the emotion of fear is found, our practice supports us in seeing that fear is here without judging if we are good or bad. We begin to "befriend" fear by bringing it into our awareness and perhaps exploring what underlies the emotion. It's as though we are bringing whatever emotion is nestled within our bodies from the dark shadows of the unknown to the light that sits in front of us. We begin to recognize what fear looks like so that we can invoke the element of water and let it flow through us without allowing it to take up permanent residence. All emotions are valid and seeing them arise and fall away, like the ebb and flow of the tide, is the second chakra finding balance.

A blocked second chakra might be evident by someone who we know who seems to always be fearful or angry (or some other seemingly permanent emotional state). It's as though the emotion becomes lodged within us and expresses itself as "who we are", yet we know that if we become conscious of the deep seated pattern, we do have an opportunity to change our course. Part of this process is undertaken through guided meditation, chanting, affirmation, yoga asana and breathing practices. In order to know this, however, we must find silence in which to hear it.

We can also use affirmations to bring healing and balance into this energetic center. Helpful statements might be:

I feel my emotions and my pain.

I reawaken my passion.

I surrender to this moment.

So let's continue this journey together as we undertake some basic steps to understanding the second chakra, the element of water, and learn to let go and go with the flow.

The Earth Element

Over the next few weeks, both in my thought of the week and in classes, we'll be exploring the five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether/space. These elements are an integral part, not only of our Universal environment but, of the subtle energy systems of the chakras. We have seven chakras, spinning wheels of energy, that run from the base of our spine to the crown of our head. When we experience our connection to the elements we are able to deepen our sense of an inherent relationship to all that's around and within us. And it's certainly a good time to get grounded following the holiday season and launching into a new year.

Earth energy is associated with the base chakra, known as the muladhara chakra in Sanskrit. Located at the base of the spine, this chakra connects us through our physical bodies to the energy of Mother Earth. We feel this energy through our bones, muscles and tissues. Just as we might say that a building has "good bones" that create the foundation of the structure, we too can feel our physical nature through our bones and the muscles that move them. This physical body of ours is how we connect into the physical world around us, not only through movement but by standing barefoot on the soil or sand, getting our hands into the dirt through gardening, hugging a tree or touching a huge granite rock during a hike. We can feel the pulse of the earth, her energy and rawness.

To connect to this field of experience we can also visualize the base chakra as a spinning vortex of deep red. I love to visualize the red of outback Australia while others can sense the color through a budding red rose. If we close our eyes and imagine an outward spinning of red at the base of our spine we can magnify the experience through repeating the seed or bija mantra for this chakra which is LAM (sounds like LOM). We can repeat this over and over to create not only a humming at the energy center but a vibration at the lips with the sound of "mmmmm". Try lam lam lam lam lam lam lam...repeatedly for a few minutes and feel its effects.

The base chakra is about security, safety and connection and when it's in balance, we feel as though we are able to move freely about our life. When out of balance it can lead to a sense of insecurity and greed. We need this balance in order for our energy to continue to rise up through the higher chakras, so spending time being on the earth is a vital foundation for further growth. We can also use affirming statements or mantras to enhance our connection.

I am safe.

I trust more. Fear Less.

I am centered and grounded.

Another aspect to creating a connection to this physical self is through practicing pranayama or breathwork and in particular, Surya Bhendana pranayama. This is aimed at activating the Pingala nadi or masculine/sun/yang energy current that also happens to be associated with our physical selves. It's useful when practiced during colder, winter months (that would be those of us at the moment in the Northern hemisphere). The simplest form is to inhale through the right nostril and exhale through the left. We do this by using the right hand in front of the face with the ring finger gently closing the left nostril to inhale through the right; closing both nostrils by using the thumb on the right; then releasing the left nostril to exhale. A typical ratio is 1:2, so if it takes four counts to inhale, we would aim for an eight count exhale. This can be practiced for up to five minutes and if this sounds confusing, induces a sense of tension or you're uncertain, find a qualified yoga instructor to guide you through it.

So why not begin your 2016 by improving your connection to the powerful energy of the earth. You're armed with tools of movement, visualization, sound and breath. Get grounded...touch the earth and see what rises up from there!

Start From Within

Having spent some of the holiday season with my family, I am reminded of what I was like when I was younger...stubborn, competitive, sarcastic and self-righteous. I had times where my moods would swing from being hyperactive to quite sullen and shy. Many people who meet me today might be surprised at my former, more negative self as the general comment I get is that I'm calm and even keeled. People have asked me if I have always been that way and based on what I mentioned above, the answer would be "no".

Anytime we come across somebody who is centered, relaxed, calm and emitting a sense of serenity, we can bet they weren't born that way. That state is one that has likely been a lifelong endeavor of regular practice, a conscious and intentional choice. This past week the focus of classes as we closed out 2015 was to be forgiving and look toward reconciliation with ourselves and those around us. We were encouraged to clean the slate and clear the energetic channels that flow through us so that we can step into 2016 with an open heart. Healing our own stuff is a regular practice that involves recognizing what's blocked, honoring what it has taught us and moving on. 2015 has been a rough year with a seemingly high focus on extreme acts of violence and injustice, so what better way to enter the new year than with a sense of compassionate optimism?

One quote that resonated deeply with me this past week was by Billy Cox:

"If you wish to change what's going on around you, change what's going on within you."

So often this is where our yoga practice starts...we begin within. Each week I have the honor of seeing many of the same students, some who've been coming to classes with me for more than nine years and many who have practiced much longer than that. I get to bear witness to their individual journeys and see the outpouring of their many great deeds. I know that each time they step onto the mat or sit down in meditation, they are fertilizing the seed of their own good heartedness and, as a result, they spread this sensibility throughout the web of their lives. They are making conscious and intentional choices to show up in their practice and connect to a more peaceful and loving sense of being.

It's so easy to get pulled away from our inner selves. We may have an argument with someone or watch the horrible news of the day or covet what the Jones's have and are drawn away from our own center. So often we spend our time looking outside of ourselves for love, validation, answers or happiness that we forget that the answer most likely lies close by...within our own selves. So instead of turning outward, give yourself the gift of looking in. See what is lying within you, what your heart is asking and what words your deeper sense of self are whispering to you. If our world is loud and toxic it's nearly impossible to do this which means making room for our own selves is not only insightful, but vital to our overall balanced health.

My continued intention as we head into 2016 is to deepen my own daily practice. It's not a short-listed New Year's resolution, but a deep commitment to self over the long haul. My other continued intention is to support as many people as possible in finding a way for them to connect to themselves from a loving and deeply intimate perspective. What works for me may not be right for another, so holding the space for personal exploration is vital. Whatever works for each of us is worthy of pursuit, so as we enter the new year and flip the calendar from 2015 to 2016, ask your heart the question-"what do you need from me this year?"

May 2016 be a year filled with compassion and peace. May it be filled with self-discovery and self-love. And may we continue to walk this path together, hearts wide open and in harmony with all other beings.