You may have heard about altars or yoga corners. Some may have even dedicated a whole room in their house for yoga. Depending on your preferences and current state of life, maybe you have also been curious of creating a space of your own.
Yoga space does not have to be solely for yoga. It can be a space where you come to relax, read and breath. I'm a huge proponent of having such a space, even if you live alone. This space has a different energy to it and in the best scenario it may remind you to find grounding and peace in your life.
How to curate your Sacred Space?
You may have heard about altars or yoga corners. Some may have even dedicated a whole room in their house for yoga. Depending on your preferences and current state of life, maybe you have also been curious of creating a space of your own.
Yoga space does not have to be solely for yoga. It can be a space where you come to relax, read and breath. I'm a huge proponent of having such a space, even if you live alone. This space has a different energy to it and in the best scenario it may remind you to find grounding and peace in your life.
How to curate your Sacred Space?
Ayurveda "the sister science" of yoga and one of the world's oldest medical systems contains Five elements of nature. When curating their space, some people want to align with Ayurvedic principles by incorporating each element into their space. You absolutely do not have to do that if that is something you do not feel inclined towards. The most important thing with your space is that it bring you peace and you feel comfortable in it, whatever it looks like for you.
First of all, try and find a space that is peaceful and there is some natural light. Although some may prefer a darker space and it can be in fact quite cozy with some candles and ambient lighting, especially during winter months.
Earth (prithvi)
For earth element, you can think of anything that comes from the ground. This also varies between seasons (if you live in a country that has visible changes in nature's cycles). During the summer for example, you can bring wild flowers from outside and put them into a cute vase. Th autumn is especially nice for natural things with all its colours. You can find some fallen leaves and dry them. In a way it reflects this particular season quite well, reminding us to slow down and let go of something. Throughout the year, you can stones, shells (if you live in a coastal area) or anything that resonates with you. Some furniture and decoration may also may bring the earth element into your space, such as Himalayan salt lamps or wooden or stone materials.
Fire (agni)
This is quite self-explanatory. For fire element, candles are the best and the easiest way to express this element. It can be quite relaxing to sit still and look at the candle flame. In sanskrit, this form of meditation is called "trataka" in where you gaze an object and focus on it. If you have the luxury of a fire place, you can also practice by the fire. It is important to keep fire safety in mind and if having fire around you causes more stress than peace, you may opt for electric candles.
Water (jal)
Is there a person who doesn't like the sound of ocean waves or running water in a stream? Incorporating water into your space may be difficult but you have to be creative. I've solved this by having some delightfully infused water or tea on beside me or listening to the sounds of ocean from my device. There are several relaxing playlists on Spotify and YouTube ready to be discovered.
Air (vayu)
The element of air is also a bit more difficult one. For me, air is flow so in a way my own yoga practice is expressing this element. I also have a essential oil diffuser which spreads out some steam and I see this more of an air rather than water element. You can also wear flowy clothing which will emphasise the flow as you move through yoga poses. Air is also purity. It's important to keep your space tidy and clean and make sure it is easy for you to breath so you can dive in deeply into the practice of pranayama.
Space or ether (akasha)
This element is probably one of the most abstract out of all elements, at least for myself. Although this element comes first in Ayurvedic or yogic thinking. It is described that space is the very essence of emptiness. Therefore, when linking this into your idea of yoga space, try and imagine that this is the space itself, not the physical objects. You can make sure that there is enough space for you to move around comfortably and that the temperature is nice. Maybe bring some throws and extra pillows for your relaxation. In a way, space is the element that connects with our deepest senses. The vision, the smells, flavours and the sounds. Try to ensure you pay attention to all of your senses, at very least, try and curate a space where your senses are not disturbed, e.g. an unpleasant smell or sound or the feeling of hunger. Along with your hydration, you can corporate a little nourishing snack for your yoga moment.
Saraste yoga offers Five Elements of Nature inspired yoga classes. If this article sparked your curiosity about the elements, please ask for more information about our offerings or sign up for a themed yoga class.
I wish light in your day,
Sara
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