The second element we explore in 5 Element series is Water.
Water is fluid, takes its containers shape easily, it can be quite soft but at the same time powerful. Imagine how waves can change the shorelines! Move intuitively and allow yourself to FEEL in the practice of emotions, sensations and fluidity.
The foundation of the 5 elements: EARTH. According to the ancient life science of Ayurveda, all of creation manifests in a unique combination of the Five Great Elements: earth, air, fire, water, and space. Everything in existence can be broken down into these elemental characteristics, and this diversity determines the flow of life and how the world interacts with itself.
Earth element supports commitment and confidence. By working with the elements in your yoga practice, you can “purify” them. This means that they are able to do their job to support your health in the way they are each best able to. Welcome to a class of purification and grounding.
Backbends/ Heart openers are one of the key posture groups in our yoga practice. In a well-rounded class, usually the practice ends opening your front body with them. We better know how to get in and get out of these shapes properly.
In this class, we will explore using blocks under hands to create more space for shoulders and the arch of the back body as well as stretching quadriceps, shoulders, chest and hip flexors. Play with your own sweet edge, remember to stay with my options.
Short and sweet practice for pain relief around the neck and shoulders. Take lots of deep breathes and feel free to pause the video to hold the poses longer. Practice anytime during the day!
During the transition from Summer to Fall, I’m having LOTS of digestive issues and this part in the energetic anatomy is directly connected to Manipura ~ Solar plexus (third) chakra. This chakra is home for ego, will power, goals, inner strength and the list can go on.
Other benefits of this class:
“Kapalabhati” is a sanskrit word and if we break down, it has two different words in it: “Kapala” means “skull”; “bhati” means “to shine or to be lustrous.” It warms up the body. This practice is said to “make the skull shine” by cleansing the nasal passageways and sinuses, and ultimately supplying the brain with a fresh supply of oxygen-rich blood. It also cleanses the throat and lungs and stimulates the abdominal muscles and organs. Best to practice in early mornings with an empty stomach.
Energizing morning flow to wake up and heat the entire body. Fall is just around the corner and our needs will be different very soon. This practice stretches and strengthens the muscles with a strong focus on breath and body alignment. Start your day with mindful movement to set good intentions for the rest of your day.
What is Yoga? What does the word “yoga” actually mean? Is yoga something we “do” or something we just “be”?
Starting Fall (it is almost here), every month I will share with you a word, concept or source to dive deep into Yoga Philosophy. I’m really excited to educate you and also keep learning with you as the philosophical aspect of the practice is very valuable for me. Namaste.
An experience of a standing, balancing, back bending asana (posture) also known as the dance of Shiva ( The Hindu God who represents transformation).
The sequence is very purposeful from the very beginning towards this experience in Natarajasana. If you normally find standing balancing shapes quite challenging, please practice that portion of the class near a wall space so you can use one hand on the wall for an extra support.
This sequence is entirely on the floor but we will do A LOT in the body not just sitting and forward bending! Please have a strap ready (if you do not have a strap, grab a towel) to use it for deep seated forward bends as well as in Supine series. (Supine meaning: lying face upward)