Stability of the Five Elements brings Stability to our Lives

• Beginning at the foundation is Earth. The Earth is seen as our foundation; one of stability and strength. The Earth is "strong & steady & dense; it is there to support us." It is our bones, our nails, our teeth; it is our physical body. Power, strength, will power, determination & awareness. As we are grounded so to is our feeling of security & safety. When we stand firmly rooted to the Earth we feel strong; we feel grounded. From Earth we flow to Water. When Earth is not in balance we may feel stressed and lacking confidence. 
• The fluidity of Water, the flow of blood in our veins, the water found in our fascia & juices in our joints. This element emerges as nourishment & lubrication. It cools & moistens, soothes & softens. When in balance we find that adapting to life's changes comes with ease. We "go with the flow," as they say. We feel content. Finding yourself feeling emotionally stagnant or physically numb may mean that your water element is unbalanced.
• To our center we find the element of Fire. It is here that we feel our sense of empowerment; it is here that we generate our self-confidence. Fire is seen in belly; our digestion & metabolism. This element brings tremendous strength,power & opportunity for transformation. Our eyes are bright; our skin shines when Fire is balanced. Our belly is calm; we eliminate without concern. If we find ourselves feeling depressed, withdrawn, aggressive or angry our "fire" is inflamed and needs to be cooled. Breathe.
• Air is what we breath; oxygen. Inhale & Exhale & you have found Air. Flight or Fight and our breath is short/shallow & fast. Rest & Digest & our breath is relaxed & calm. Some would hypothesize that air is a channel for communication;clear communication & self-expression. Our breathing is smooth; we have the ability to freely receive & give to others love, compassion & openness. A feeling of jealousy may be a sign that our air element is unbalanced. We feel tight in the chest; our breathing is labored. Bringing in a Pranayama breathing technique will help ease the anxiousness.
• Lastly, we have the calmness, the expansiveness, the emptiness of Ether(Space). In our bodies it is the space between our joints & our cells. "To be still. To be mindful." This is the element from which all of the other elements originate & to which they return. If one feels cold (lack the heat of fire). If your skin is dry (lacks the moisture of water). Stillness (lacks the mobility of air). Feeling light (lacks the heaviness of earth). When in balance communication is done freely & we feel connected to what is around us. Out of balance: we feel empty & isolated; we feel overwhelmed & as a result withdraw.

 Stability of these elements in our bodies can bring stability and steadiness to our lives. 

PROPS: Mat, Blocks, Blanket

GENTLE YOGA: FIVE ELEMENTS

OPENING/BACK/EARTH

Constructive Rest

Slow Bridge to Butterfly (sweep arms) (5)

Eagle Knees/Pull in to Supine Twist (Switch)

BELLY

Press Hip Pointers/Raise Leg

Hands behind/Palms up & Pulse

Raise Legs/Palms up & HOLD

TABLETOP/WATER

CNC

Hip Circles  

DD/FF

SUN SALUTATIONS/FIRE

Lunge w/Arm Movement

Goddess Breath

STANDING/EARTH & WATER

Tadasana 

Chair

Crescent w/Arms

Warrior II

Reverse/Peaceful Warrior

Side Angle 

GODDESS BREATH/SWITCH

BALANCING

Tadasana

Tree Prep (E)

Tree

GODDESS BREATH/SWITCH

SEATED/EARTH

Boat (F)

Butterfly to 90/90 Twist

BACK/WATER

Supported Waterfall (W) 

Happy Baby

Knees In

SAVASANA (ETHER)

Stillness

MEDITATION (ETHER)

Sacral Chakra Mudra **

**Svadisthana

The sacral chakra, Svadhishthana, the ‘dwelling place of the self’ is associated with relationships, creativity, desires, sensuality and sexuality. Creative and procreative generativity is the task of this chakra. It is the second chakra located in the pelvic area, near the genitals, 3 inches (around 7.5cm) below the navel. Its element is water and the corresponding endocrine gland is the gonads (ovaries and testes).

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Resources:
Five Elements Diagram: davidji.wpengine.com
Ayurveda 101: The Five Elements: https://aloha.com/blogs/think/ayurveda-101-the-five-elements-and-the-three-doshas
Sacral Mudra Visual: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/386605949236875133/

The Human Body is a combination of the Five Elements.  Each of us is comprised of these elements in varying amounts.  The better attuned we are to our natural rhythms, the better we feel on all levels of being.