Exploring the wonder of the five elements within and without
According to Indian mythology, it is believed the body is composed of pancha tattva, the five dynamic elements of nature and the whole of the universe. Join me to explore how you can use the tools of yoga to ensure all of our elements within are in balance.
Whilst away in Iceland I visited the geysers for the second time. Fascinated by this natural wonder & how it requires the perfect balance of the 5 elements. It got me thinking…
Imagine a geyser as a reflection of the harmony (or disharmony) of the five elements within you, impacting not just your physical self but also your physiological, energetic, and psychological well being.
1. prithvi tattva – earth element
Earth element is the foundation, the stability that holds everything together. Just as a geyser is rooted in the earth, we too are grounded in our physical body and sense of security. When the earth element is unbalanced, it can manifest as physical weakness, instability, or feelings of being ungrounded psychologically. We may feel disconnected from our body and the world, lacking the stability needed for a balanced life.
2. apas tattva – water element
Water is the element that flows underground, accumulating in the geyser’s chamber. It represents our emotions and physiological fluidity. When water is balanced, emotions and energy flow naturally, supporting emotional health and regulating physical systems like circulation. But when there’s too much or too little water, the geyser may become stagnant or overflow unpredictably, just as imbalanced water in us can lead to suppressed emotions, emotional overwhelm, or physiological issues like fluid retention or dehydration.
…when any element is out of balance, the effects ripple through us, not only physically, but also physiologically, energetically, and psychologically…
3. agni tattva – fire element
Fire element represents the heat within the earth which provides the energy to turn water into steam, creating the force needed for an eruption. Fire represents passion, drive, and metabolism on both physical and psychological levels. Without fire, the water remains cold and inert, and the geyser never erupts, just as we might feel sluggish, unmotivated, or lacking in digestion when our inner fire dims. However, too much fire can lead to explosive outbursts, both physically (in the form of inflammation or burnout) and emotionally (as anger or irritability).
4. vayu tattva – air element
Air mixes with the steam, adding to the pressure and enabling the geyser to erupt in a powerful, focused burst. In us, air governs our breath, thoughts, and the movement of energy within our body. A balanced air element supports calm, focused thinking and smooth energy flow, but imbalances can cause erratic mental patterns like anxiety, scattered thoughts, or difficulty breathing. Physiologically, we may feel tension or an inability to release built-up stress.
5. akash tattva – space element
The space around and within the geyser is the element that allows all the others to interact. Space represents openness and awareness—on an energetic and psychological level, it governs our sense of freedom and mental clarity. If space is constricted, the geyser’s eruptions are unpredictable, just as we may feel emotionally confined, mentally stuck, or energetically stagnant when there isn’t enough space within us for energy to move freely. Balanced space allows for mental expansiveness and physical openness cultivating a sense of inner and outer freedom.
And when we bring them into balance…
When these five elements are in balance, the geyser operates in a smooth cycle, representing harmony across all levels of our being. But when any element is out of balance, the effects ripple through us, not only physically, but also physiologically, energetically, and psychologically. Just as the geyser’s eruptions reflect the state of the elements beneath it, our overall well-being is shaped by the dynamic balance of these forces within us.
This month in Jivamukti we explore how to ensure all of our elements within are in balance via the tools of yoga.
Pose of the month
Pose – maksikanagasana: Dragonfly Pose
Sanskrit – मक्षिकांगासन
Pronounced – exactly as it looks Mak-sik-ana-gasana
Type – Arm balance
Dragonflies are a symbol of balance
Embodying the harmony of all five elements, Dragonflies are often seen as symbols of balance. In water, they begin life as nymphs, spending most of their early years in ponds or streams. When they emerge into the air their agile flight represents freedom and transformation. Their metallic, iridescent bodies catch the light like fire evoking a sense of energy and vitality. On land, they rest on plants and stones, linking them to the earth and grounding their existence. Finally, their swift movements, ability to hover and reflective wings connect them to space symbolising the unseen realms of awareness and consciousness. A tricky pose indeed but a pose that provides a lot of fun along the journey towards it.
Don’t worry!!
In Jivamukti the class is structured so that the body is prepared; stretched, strengthened and opened by visiting the requisite shape and effort in preparatory postures so that our destination posture each month begins to feel more and more accessible over the 4/5 weeks of practice.
Book your first discounted class now! Use the code AUM
Mantra of the month
Om Namo Bhagavate Mukti Anandaya
ॐ नमो भगवते मुक्ति आनन्दा
Om the eternal source sound vibration
Namo to honour salute or bow all glory to
Bhagavan the supreme or absolute in the most spiritual sense of the word.
Mukti freedom
Ananda blissfulness
