It could be that water element is my favorite of the five elements. Water represents the feminine flow of the breath, of the emotions, and of the rhythms of nature, which is often the very thing I’m lacking when I’m living out my daily schedule of ‘doing’ and getting things done. It’s so easy to forget about and neglect the body and its needs and messages; the breath; and the cycles of nature in the flow of the day/night, seasons, and stages of life.
But if you stop and become reflective and listen, you will hear and feel the flows within an all around you that help you come back into harmony, ease, and health. Water element teaches us how to live in balance as a human being living within our five bodies (the koshas). In order to get to know Water Element better I have outlined for you it’s particular aspects.
Qualities
Vibrancy, fluidity, flexibility, vitality, steadiness in the face of obstacles, adaptability, sensitivity, absorption, play!, moisture, receptivity, nourishment, feminine, yin, moon, intimacy, and sensation.
Challenges
Rigidity, stuck, resistance or giving in, numbness, dryness, lack of vitality or luster, feeling un-nourished.
Location in Body
Pelvis, navel, low back sacrum, hip joints, all joints, reproductive and urinary systems, lymphatic and circulatory systems, and the reproductive glands. Bladder and Kidney channels.
Season
Winter according to traditional Chinese medicine.
Color
Blues and black.
Sense
Mouth, taste and appetite.
Aromatherapy
Sandalwood, sage, rose and jasmine.
Seed Bija Sound
‘Vam’
Energy Current
Vyana vayu – energy that flows to extremities like arms and legs that governs circulation.
Sarasvati is the Goddess of rivers and knowledge. I have been so inspired by Sarasvati over the years. Sarasvati rules over a great number of spheres including rivers, fertility, medicine, wealth, poetry, music, creativity, beauty, and art.
Her name means “the one who flows”, and she is the consort of Brahma the Creator. Sarasvati is usually depicted sitting on a white lotus or white bird, symbolizing truth and purity. One of the things she holds in her hands a a pot of water (symbolic of creativity and purification). She also has a great many alternate names including Mother of Waters and she is pictured above.
written by Jennifer Reis, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist, creator of Five Element Yoga® and Divine Sleep® Yoga Nidra.
The power of flow: the wonderful reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park created the cascade effect through the life-chain that regenerated the whole system – trees flourished, forests emerged, the number of other species of animals increased, and the rivers caused less erosion and more pools developed to support all the animals!
With this mudra flow you will be able to sense the flow of life and energy within and all around you as you tune into your inner healing waters.
Jala Mudra
“My inner rivers flow with the rhythms of nature.”
Jala means water, liquid and flowing, representing the vital aliveness within you! This mudra is both grounding and energizing, and helps you to see the flow beyond riverbank limitations. It can help to balance and improve the health of all of the fluid systems of the body: circulatory, urinary, kidney, and lymphatic assisting in harmonizing your inner Water Element. Jala Mudra is helpful for overall digestion. No known contraindications.
Trimurti Mudra
“I am nourished by the healing source in the center of my being.”
As you create a triangle with your hands on your navel, you are invoking ‘Trimurti’, the three energies of life: creation, sustenance and transformation. A very soothing mudra, Trimurti can help you to tune in to feel and awaken your inner healing source. This is one of the best mudras to practice during times of transition and change.
Good for all conditions of the female reproductive system: fertility, menstrual cramps, menopause, cystitis, endometriosis, and pregnancy. No known contraindications.
Gupta Mudra
“My actions unfold from a place of rest and balance.”
Gupta means well protected, hidden, and secret, and is represented in this mudra by making the shape of a tortoise. This cultivates the feeling of entering into one’s own inner sanctuary of safety and rest, creating a sense of well-being, security and protection.
Good for enhancing the health of digestive and elimination systems as well as relaxing shoulders, neck and head and can be helpful for TMJ issues. No known contraindications.
Begin each mudra with 5-10 natural breaths and increase the number of breaths weekly to your practice.
These mudras and information provided are modified from Mudras for Healing and Transformation by Joseph and Lilian LePage, Integrative Yoga Therapy.
“My Inner Light shines forth, guiding and lighting my way.”
Tejas Mudra awakens the inner light of one’s true Self to reveal compassion, peace, and deep reverence for life and the world.
Begin with hands in Prayer Pose. The thumbs are like the wick of a candle. Then touch index fingers together to make an arch like the flame of the candle overtop the thumbs. Expand your other fingers outward like the radiant light of the candle. Hold your hands in front of your heart. *Note: hypertension/ heart conditions monitor effects to make sure this feels good for you.
Imagine the flame in your heart burning bright to cast the glow of warmth, clarity and compassion through all the cells of your body and being. Sit within your own internal brilliance feeling the light of your true Self.
cultivates devotional love
strengthens immune system
instills optimism and enthusiasm
serves as a doorway to one’s true Self
good for feeling whole, reverence, and serenity.
Begin with 5-10 natural breaths and increase the number of breaths weekly to your practice.
These mudras and information provided are modified from Mudras for Healing and Transformation by Joseph and Lilian LePage, Integrative Yoga Therapy.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.
