Get clear. Get grounded.
Intentions and goals are meant to help focus our attention, to clarify and draw forth a yearning or desire that exists within us, and bring it forward into the world to live a more aligned existence. When we take our intentions and goals to the next level and consider the elemental qualities they bring forth, it can help us to anchor and ground our ability to achieve them. Ayurveda is a simple, yet complex science that helps us to align with the natural flows and rhythms of life. When we are in alignment, there is a relaxation response in the body, mind, and spirit. This is important, no matter what the exact outcome or result we want to achieve with our intention.
Ayurveda observes the 5 elements (or pancha mahabhutas for you sanskrit fans): space, air, fire, water, and earth. Each of these elements represents different qualities that are found within our human bodies and outside of us in nature. From the five elements, come the three doshas. The three doshas are the unique combination of basic types of energy or functional principles that are present in everything and everyone. We’ll get into the doshas more in a later post, but for now let’s tap into the elements.
When I started to see my body, emotions, and mental activity through the lens of the elements as an energetic quality, I started to have fast and effective shifts in my mindset, my habits, my yoga practice, and my life. I finally got out of my own way and brought my life into greater alignment. I stopped criticizing or judging myself (and others) and started to see myself as dynamic, full of energy, and no longer stuck in how I once viewed myself.
To me, this is one of the cool things about Ayurveda. It’s about watching energy move within and around us, shifting dynamically and seeking balance, expansion, and vibrancy. This is a dynamic practice, which is tapping into constant potential rather than limitation.
Whether they are career-oriented, financially driven, about your health, your habits, or your spiritual path, your intentions and goals have qualities associated with them ; it’s all applicable and helpful. We are talking about our WHOLE life here, not just one fraction of it. Just like the elements, we are the sum of all parts.
To Start:
- Write down your intention for the year.
- Do a brain dump by writing down all the words that describe how you want to feel given your intention for the year.
- Read the list below, and determine what quality your intention is most closely aligned with.
- Participate in this 20minute Webinar.
Space or Ether Element (Akasha)
Space is about possibility and potential. It doesn’t have boundaries, but it holds all the other elements in place. This element is about your environment (your house, your office, where you live geographically). Qualities of space are clear, light, subtle, soft, immeasurable. Space and air make up the vata dosha.
Air Element (Vayu)
The air element is about mobility and movement. The wind is a perfect example. This element is about your relationship with time and how you spend it. In the body, this is your respiratory system, air moving in and out. If you are looking to get unstuck, this is a good place to start. The qualities of air are mobile, dry, light, cold, rough, and subtle. Air and space make up the vata dosha.
Fire Element (Agni)
The fire element is one of transformation and focus. It’s represented in the physical body in the digestive system and might show up mentally and emotionally as passion. If you are trying to spark or ignite a new endeavor, look to the fire qualities to help guide you. The qualities of fire are hot, sharp, light, dry, subtle. Fire and water make up the pitta dosha.
Water Element (Ap)
The water element is about fluidity and flow in your life. You want to keep things moving; it’s their natural urge to change and shift. Water is represented in the physical body as all the fluids that circulate through the system: lymph and blood, for example. If you are needing more spontaneity, play or FUN in your life, look to integrate more fluidity. The qualities of water are cool, liquid, dull, soft, oily, slimy. Water and earth make up the kapha dosha, while water and fire make up the pitta dosha.
Earth Element (Prithivi)
The earth element is about steadiness and stability. This element might show up if you have some clear physical fitness intentions for the year or this is the year about getting more sleep. Earth is represented in your physical body as your bones, teeth, hair, and skin. The qualities are heavy, dull, static, dense, hard, gross. Earth and water make up the kapha dosha.
Now ask yourself, what qualities do you need to cultivate to align with your intention for the year and bring it into clear vision as you move forward on your path?
Take your intention to the next level of integrity, and join me on a live 20-minute call to get even more clear about where you’re headed in 2017. Come with your intention, and leave with 3-5 daily practices to help you align your year ahead. Schedule here.
-----
Rachel Peters is a yoga teacher, yoga health coach, lifestyle and habits expert, easeful living advocate, and lover of wild places. She leads others towards Embodying Ease through a yearlong wellness & lifestyle journey to dissolve perfectionism, embody daily habits that promote mental clarity, overall ease, and deeper connection to life on this wild ride of modern living. Learn MORE today!