Reveal your creativity with the Water Element

A Fluid Journey of Emotion and Energy

In the fascinating realm of yoga, the elements are like the threads that weave through our practice, with each one carrying its own special symbolism.  Delving into the Water Elementis a voyage that takes us into the world of fluidity, coolness, and adaptability, a force that not only sculpts our physical bodies but also stirs the currents of our emotions, nurturing our spirits andrevealing the creativity within us.

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Physical Connection: The Fluid Hips
On a physical level, the Water Element finds its home in our hips. This area represents our flexibility, adaptability, and the flow of energy within our bodies. The hips serve as a gateway to emotional expression, allowing us to move with grace and fluidity, just like the serene flow of a river.
The energetic center closely related to the Water Element is the Swadishtana chakra, commonly known as the Sacral chakra. This chakra resides in the lower abdomen and is associated with our inner passion, creativity, fluidity, sensuality, and joy. The Sacral chakra is the source of our feminine energy, our ability to flow freely, and our connection to the watery depths of our emotions.

Energy Flow: Prana and Inward Vitality
The direction of energy in the Water Element is inward, guided by Prana, the vital life force. This energy draws us into ourselves, encouraging introspection and the exploration of our inner passions. Just as water flows inward to nourish the earth, Prana flows into our beings to sustain our life force.

Emotional Depths: Passion, Creativity, and Seductive Forces
Emotionally, the Water Element is linked to passion, creativity, and sexual energy. It's the seductive force that fuels our desires and drives us to express ourselves. However, like the unpredictable tides of the ocean, it can also lead to addictions and intense emotional fluctuations. Water teaches us to embrace the ebb and flow of our feelings, to ride the waves of our emotions, and to find balance within the ever-changing sea of our inner selves.

​Practice: Creating space for creativity

Actions of Seeking Peace
Actions associated with the Water Element often involve the search for peace. Water has a calming and soothing effect on the mind and spirit, inspiring us to seek tranquility and serenity. Just as we are drawn to the peaceful embrace of a gentle stream, the Water Element reminds us to find solace in the midst of life's challenges.

Colour, Taste, and the Sense of Taste
The color white symbolizes the purity and clarity of the Water Element. It's the color of fresh snow, clean sheets, and the pure essence of water itself.

In terms of taste, the Water Element is salty, reflecting the fluid nature of our bodily fluids. On average, the human body is composed of approximately 50-60% water, emphasizing the profound connection we share with this element. This water within us isn't just any water; it's the essence of life itself.All the fluids our bodies produce, from the salty tears that express our emotions to the perspiration that cools us down, the blood that sustains us, and even the life-generating fluids, are salty. This saltiness, like the gentle tide, flows through our veins and connects us to the very essence of life. It reminds us of the necessity of maintaining the right balance of this element to ensure the smooth functioning of our bodies.

The sense associated with the Water Element is taste, and its ambassador is our ever-active tongue. The tongue can still recognize taste when dry; however, the sensation of taste may be altered or less pronounced. This is because saliva is crucial for dissolving and transporting taste molecules to the taste receptors on the tongue. Dry mouth can lead to a diminished ability to fully taste and experience flavors. Therefore, keeping the tongue moist with saliva is beneficial for experiencing a wide range of tastes and flavors.
The tongue is not just tools for experiencing taste; they are also instruments of speech. The words we form have the power to soothe or agitate, much like the gentle caress of water or the crashing of turbulent waves. The Water Element invites us to consider the impact of our words and their ability to shape our emotions and those of others.
In the intricate world of yoga and the elements, the Water Element stands as a reminder of our inner fluidity and the intricate connection between our bodies and the world around us. It urges us to appreciate the saltiness of life's experiences and to acknowledge the profound role that taste, hydration, and communication play in our existence.

Water Element Practice: Ujjayi Pranayama - Ocean breath
To connect with the Water Element, try the Ujjayi Pranayama practice. Ujjayi breath is known for building heat in the body and enhancing introspection. Here's how to practice it:

1. With Ujjayi breath, breathe in and out of your nose with your lips sealed. No breath should pass your lips.
2. Create a constriction in your throat, as if you were breathing in and out of a thin straw. An easy way to adjust your throat is if pronounce the sound "Ha" with your mouth closed. Your breath will become audioble. 
3. While maintaining the closed mouth position, be mindful of tension in your teeth, jaw, throat, or neck. Release any held tension.
4. Feel the breath gently stroke the back of your throat as you inhale and exhale.
5. The audibility of the breath is often compared to the sound of waves, resembling the deep, rhythmic breathing of Darth Vader or the gentle ebb and flow of ocean waves. The tone is smooth, steady, and continuous, with uninterrupted cycles of inhales and exhales.

Ujjayi Pranayama connects you to the Water Element and calms down the mind.

The Transformative Power of Water
The Water Element is a force of deep emotional exploration, encouraging us to embrace the ever-changing tides of our inner selves. It reminds us of the power of our passions, the depth of our creativity, and the importance of finding balance in the unpredictable sea of our emotions. By understanding and harnessing the Water Element, we can ride the waves.

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