Yoga and the Five Elements
Taoist philosophy describes the human being as a reflection of the whole universe, a microcosm within the macrocosm. We human beings literally are the embodiment of nature.
Whilst my science student daughter would talk about the chemical make-up of things (and probably provide a complicated chemical formula), I prefer the many eastern cultures’ explanation of the ‘phenomenon of nature’ as comprised of five basic elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space (or ether). They form the basic building blocks of the universe, every person, animal, plant and thing is composed of these elements.
The ebb and flow of the five elements influences our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing; when they are in harmony, we experience peace and good health. When they are out of balance, we can experience suffering and unhappiness. Through consciously working with the elements as we practice yoga and meditation we can achieve a state of equilibrium, or balance.
Each element has its own characteristics and properties:
Earth represents solidity, stability and grounding
Water represents fluidity, adaptability and change
Fire represents energy, passion and transformation
Air represents movement, expansion and communication
Space (ether) represents emptiness, consciousness, and intuition.
Earth, Water and Fire are tangible things that can be touched or seen; they exist as matter whilst Space and Air are intangible, yet they exist everywhere around us, even though we cannot see them.
Earth, Water and Fire are therefore easier for us to understand than Space and Air because they have more concrete forms. However, all five elements are equally important and interrelated.
I recommend focusing on one element at a time, starting with the Earth element, as it is the foundation for all the rest. Don’t overly focus on their materiality, instead, think about their energy and vibration, or how the essence of these elements affects your body, mind and emotions as you move and breathe on your yoga mat. Feel into the sensation of the element as much as possible throughout your practice.
