The Quintessential Element of Space

​Embracing the Ether Within

In the journey through the elements, we've explored the stability of earth, the flow of water, the passion of fire, and the lightness of air. Now, we arrive at the element that underpins all of creation and existence: ether, or 'space.' It is the most subtle and ethereal of all elements, often referred to as 'Akasha' in ancient yogic and metaphysical traditions. Ether is both nothing and everything simultaneously; it embodies stillness, yet it is the very essence that facilitates all movement and life. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of the space element, particularly its connection to the throat chakra and its role in communication and purification.

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The Throat Chakra and Space
​In the realm of chakras, the throat chakra, known as 'Vishuddha,' is intimately tied to the space element. Positioned at the base of the throat, it's intricately linked to the larynx, our voice box. Vishuddha translates to the 'place of purification,' and it indeed plays a pivotal role in our ability to express ourselves openly and honestly. This chakra is the energetic hub of communication, where thoughts and ideas transform into spoken words. It underscores the importance of realizing that our voices matter, both in what we say and how we listen.

The Vital Energy of Vyana
​The direction of energy related to the space element is Vyana, often referred to as the 'vital energy that contains all other energies.' Vyana flows throughout the body, connecting all the chakras and ensuring the harmonious exchange of energy. In this way, the space element, represented by Vyana, acts as the bridge that unites the other elements within us.

The Nature of Space: Emptiness and Purity
​Space, or ether, is characterized by its emptiness and purity. It lacks the firmness of earth, the coolness of water, the heat of fire, or the movement of wind. It is the very essence of 'emptiness' that allows everything else to exist. Within our bodies, the presence of the space element can be recognized in the sinus cavities that enable our voices to resonate, the space within the lungs that fills with air, and even the space in our stomachs before a meal.

Qualities and Characteristics
To understand the space element better, let's explore its qualities:
Communication: The space element is closely linked to the power of communication. It empowers us to express our thoughts and ideas and to truly listen to others.
Purification: The throat chakra, as the center of the space element, aids in the purification of our thoughts and expressions. It encourages us to communicate honestly and with integrity.
Color: The color associated with space is violet, signifying the subtle and ethereal nature of this element.
Taste: The taste related to space is bitter, much like medicine that purifies and heals.
​Sense: The sense connected with space is hearing, highlighting the importance of sound and communication in our lives. It's worth noting that sound cannot exist in a vacuum, and thus, it's a manifestation of the space element.

Space Element Practice: Bhramari Pranayama (Humming Bee)

• 1. Sit comfortably in a simple cross-legged seated position, Lotus/Half-Lotus, or Hero Pose, or in a chair with your feet on the floor.
• 2. Withdraw your focus from the external world (Pratyhara) and become aware of your breath moving in and out through your nostrils.
• 3. To block out external sounds, gently place your thumb-tips in the ear holes, just pressing on the tragus (outer ear cartilage).
• 4. For the full expression of Shanmukhi Mudra, place index fingers over closed eyelids, middle fingers on nostrils (to encourage deeper breaths), ring fingers on the upper lip, and pinky fingers on the lower lip to close your mouth.
• 5. Inhale softly through the nose and exhale with a humming or murmuring sound, like a female bee.
• 6. Practice Bhramari Pranayama for six rounds, then sit quietly in stillness and observe its effects. You can repeat for another six rounds or practice three sets of six before meditation.
• Experiment with low, middle, or high tones and notice where you feel vibrations in your body.

When to Practice Bhramari:

• The best time to perform Bhramari Pranayama is in the silence and quiet of the night.

Benefits of Bhramari Pranayama:

• Calms and quiets the mind, Releases cerebral tension, Stimulates the pineal and pituitary glands, supporting their proper functioning, Soothes the nerves, Relieves stress and anxiety, Dissipates anger, Lowers blood pressure, Bolsters the health of the throat, Strengthens and improves the voice, Supports the healing of bodily tissues, Induces sound sleep

Bhramari Pranayama is a practice that connects you with the subtlety and emptiness of the space element while providing numerous mental and physical benefits.

The space element, often referred to as ether, is the most subtle and fundamental of all the elements. It's the emptiness that enables fullness, the stillness that permits movement, and the silence that gives rise to sound. As we explore the qualities and characteristics of this element, we uncover its profound importance in our lives. Embracing the space within us, symbolized by the throat chakra, empowers us to communicate authentically, purify our thoughts, and genuinely listen to others. Just as space embodies both nothing and everything, it reminds us that within our emptiness lies the potential for limitless creation and transformation.

You can have "Space element" yoga class or the whole "Balancing the Elements" Class series (5 yoga classes) - just  drop me a message here.