I can’t help but feeling watery – from the inside out.
This feeling is not just thanks to the monsoon, showering us with its blessings of life-giving water. I experience the water element on a more subtle level.
Five elements
Yogic theory says that we, just like nature, are made up by the five elements earth, water, fire, air, space/sky. At any given time one or a few of these elements dominate our constitution. The different elements carry different qualities that in turn are expressed in us. Yoga, being a tool for self study, beautifully teaches us how to use the labels of these elements to gain better self awareness.
Feeling watery
Right now I am feeling rather watery. We say that the water elements is of a flowing kind, life giving, adaptable to circumstances that evens out irregularities.
Coming from a very fiery history, I can really enjoy the cooling sensation of the water element. It helps me to take a step back, to sit more in the passenger seat of my life than I usually do. This goes for most things; from having less of an opinion about news in the papers, to choosing the main course in a restaurant. Maybe this nature’s way of supporting me in dealing with all the changes I go through?
It is no wonder that I as pregnant is more watery than usual. I imagine that the physical fact of me carrying extra water for my baby would affect me on many levels. For example, I find my eyes over flow more often that usually. Could I blame the water element for that…?
I suspect that the dominant element will change towards the end of my pregnancy, to become more earthy. We’ll see.
What element is dominant in you at the moment?
Earth – stable, grounded, heavy, static
Water – flowing, adaptable, reflective liquid, clear, assimilating
Fire – hot, light, bright, transformational
Air – mobile, quick, dry
Space/sky – open, unlimited, vast, free, expansive
Credits
My sincere thanks to Patrick Creelman for so graciously clarifying the concepts of elements at the Anusara Yoga Immersion in Hong Kong last week. I am also grateful for my friends, colleagues and great yogis Joung-Ah and Wolfgang for being there when I let it all flow.
Dear Child,
I hope that you are enjoying the ocean of amniotic fluid that has been created for you to safely swim around in. I feel that you are even more adoptable than I am, constantly growing and effortlessly accepting the changes you go through. Let us continue this synchronized swimming in peace!