Akasha: Connecting to Our Inner-selves

The Loneliest Hwy in the Nation 

     My husband and I spent the summer on our 2018 Harley Road Glide riding the roads from Chicago, Ill. to Moab, Utah.  I love the feeling of riding on the bike with the wind blowing and the sun shining. One of my most favorite roads (and there were many) was, properly titled the   "Loneliest Highway in the Nation." Hwy 50  runs from the western edge of Nevada into Utah.  It truly was lonely. The road stretched forever.      We met a vehicle or another biker rarely. It is here, on these desolate roads that my mind begins to wander. I love to tip my head back and look up into space, clearing my mind and just being. I begin to imagine what is beyond, what is our there; out there is space. What I loved most about this road was just that; the open space, the sense of freedom and stillness. I could see the clouds and feel the sun on my face, but I had no idea what was beyond. 
     To me this road and the sky above encapsulates the idea of Space/Ether/Akasha. This element can not be touched or manipulated as the others (exception of Air). And so one begins to wonder. I can attest that when I sit on the back my yogic mind begins to generate questions: what is beyond the clouds? How am I a part of this world/this universe?  


Akasha/Ether Qualities: Taken from the CA. College of Ayurveda

• Ether's qualities are based upon the absence of its opposing quality. i.e. ether is cold because it lacks warmth created by fire.
• Ether is light... it lacks the heaviness created by earth and water.
• Ether is immobile due to its inability to propel like air.
• Ether is subtle.
• Ether is omnipresent.. it is everywhere.
• It is that which all other elements are derived from.
• And, it is the most expansive. It has no limits.
• In our body, Ether is expressed within the empty spaces: empty intestines, blood vessels, bladder, and the lungs are filled with Ether.  
• The winter season is the time of Ether. The season begins after the leaves have fallen and the earth is barren. Everything and everyone becomes lighter at this time. 
• In the cycle of life, death is the time of ether. The body disintegrates and the elements flee their boundaries. All that remains is the subtly of our spirit. 

Look around you.... become aware of your surroundings.... find the stillness.... and peace.

Props:  Mat, Bolster, Blanket, Blocks

ETHER/SPACE GENTLE YOGA

Observe the stillness, freedom, & sense of awareness that opens w/in you. 

Associated with Throat Chakra/Vishuddha: Speaking your truth.

Stillness, Freedom, Expansiveness, Emptiness. The element from which

All other elements originate.

COLD..DRY..STILL..LIGHT..

OPENING

Aakash Mudra

Seated Meditation “So hum.”/Aakash Mudra ***

Side Stretch

Massage 

TABLETOP

CNC/Lion’s Breath

Side Looks

Gate Pose 

Child’s Pose

REPEAT

STANDING

Tadasana w/Side Bend

Heart Opener w/Hands Behind

SUN SALUTATIONS

1/2 Sun Salutations “Invite Space” Offering (ea.time)

Knee Down LL

Star Pose

REPEAT

STANDING

Tadasana

Open Throat/Hands Behind 

Crescent Lunge

Pyramid

Warrior II

Wide Legged

REPEAT

BACK

Pelvic Tilt

Knees In

Supported Fish 

BELLY

Cobra

Breath

SAVASANA

Supported Reclined Cobbler

MEDITATION

Let go of that which is not serving you. Bring in the stillness.

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***Aakash Mudra: Aakash mudra is a symbolic, ritualistic gesture of the hands often used in Ayurveda and spiritual yoga practice to increase the element of space, or the cosmos, within the body. The name comes from the Sanskrit words aakash (or akash), meaning "view" or "recognize," and mudra, which means "gesture," "mark" or "seal."
Increasing the element of space, or cosmos, within the body helps the practitioner to unite with a specific deity or a broader cosmic power. It is also believed to make an individual's way of thinking more honorable, as it assists in removing negative emotions like anger, sorrow or fear. Additionally, this mudra detoxifies the body, eases discomfort due to overeating, and offers relief from arrhythmia, chest pain and high blood pressure.(https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/6852/aakash-mudra)



Resources: https://chopra.com/articles/7-yoga-poses-to-connect-you-to-the-space-element
https://bliss-flow.com/yoga-ether-element/
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ether
https://desertyogatherapy.com/the-etherspace-element/

Japa Mala Beads:

https://japamalabeads.com

The Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

The Benefits of Yoga for Seniors

Kristin McGee, of DoYouYoga states that, "Yoga is incredible for an older population to help them maintain their balance, keep their joints flexible, maintain bone health and muscle mass, as well as learn how to cope with their mental state as they witness their bodies aging.Yoga is great for focus, concentration, and emotional well being. Seniors can benefit tremendously from the practice and it gives them a place to quiet their mind and start to slow down in life.The breath is also key to keeping a young outlook and reducing stress. Deep, full breaths flood the body with oxygen and life force and help us stay young at heart, mind, body, and spirit."

Props: Blanket, Bolster, Mat

MINDFUL YOGA: INTERNAL LIGHT

OPENING/SEATED

Grounding

Seated CNC

Breath of Fire**

Twist w/Hand on Shoulder

TABLETOP

CNC/CP

Bird Dog

Leg up & Over

CP

BELLY/BLANKET

Cobra w/Hiss

Sphinx

Crocodile

BACK

Savasana

Pelvic Tilt

Heel Taps

Legs Up

Supine Twist

Supine Hold

SAVASANA

SEATED

*** There are some restrictions for doing Breath of Fire: While pregnant and menstruating, substitute Long Deep Breathing. If you feel dizzy when practicing Breath of Fire, you should stop and substitute normal breathing. If you suffer from vertigo, you should use caution in practicing this breathing exercise

Be aware when practicing Breath of Fire if you have high blood pressure, heart disease or suffer from stroke or epilepsy. Also, if you have acid or heat related gastric issues such as ulcers you should use caution. (https://www.spiritrisingyoga.org/kundalini-info/breath-of-fire)

Resources:

https://www.doyouyoga.com/7-yoga-poses-for-seniors-49052/?utm_content=bufferf5b74&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer&fbclid=IwAR1zOFB4E-mJOeGGN8SRP1Iy86DIMf8AGZz3reYxt5mOSOTQ0ZC97gHZMSw