Learning to Move with Life
In yoga, we often hear about prana as our life force or vital energy, but ancient yogic wisdom goes a step further by describing five distinct ways this energy moves within us. These are known as the Pancha Vayus ~ the five winds.
Rather than thinking of them as something mystical or separate from everyday life, I like to think of the Vayus as different expressions of movement that we experience physically, emotionally, mentally, and energetically every single day.
Pancha Vayus: the five winds
Apana Vayu
The downward-moving wind. Apana Vayu helps us feel grounded. Physically, it supports elimination and the health of the pelvic floor. Emotionally, it reminds us of our ability to let go, whether that’s releasing tension after a difficult day, ending a relationship that no longer serves us, or simply exhaling after holding our breath through a stressful moment.
Samana Vayu
The inward-moving wind. Samana Vayu governs digestion and assimilation. We often think of digestion as something that happens only in the gut, but mentally we are constantly digesting experiences, conversations, emotions, and new information. Sometimes the wisest thing we can do is pause long enough to ask, “What is coming in via my senses right now and is it going to serve me in my life?”
Prana Vayu
Moves inward through the heart and lungs. We experience Prana Vayu every time we take a nourishing breath, but also every time we open ourselves to receive love, inspiration, support, or beauty. In a culture that often celebrates giving, Prana Vayu gently reminds us that receiving is equally sacred.
Udana Vayu
The upward-moving wind. Udana Vayu is associated with the throat, expression, and growth. We feel it whenever we speak our truth, laugh wholeheartedly, sing, teach, or find the courage to express something we’ve kept hidden. It is the energy that allows our authentic voice to rise.
Vyana Vayu
This is my favourite vayu to embody. Vyana Vayu radiates from the centre of the body outwards. It circulates blood, lymph, and energy through every tissue, but it also represents how we extend ourselves into the world, stop playing small, expand our bodies, minds and our hearts. It is present in the way we connect with others, how we share our gifts, and how we allow our inner experience to ripple outward into our relationships and our communities.
Finding beauty beyond the mat
The beauty of the Vayus is that they remind us that yoga isn’t confined to what happens on the mat. Every breath we take, every boundary we honour, every truth we speak, every experience we integrate, and every act of connection becomes part of our practice.
When we begin to notice these subtle movements within ourselves, we become less concerned with forcing life to happen and more interested in moving with it.
Perhaps that is what yoga has been inviting us towards all along.
Explore the Pancha Vayus in class this August!
Yoga classes in Colchester
Tamsio Health Hub, CO7 7BN
Soothe: an anchored, somatic style yoga flow, Thursdays 6pm-7pm
Glow: an enlivening & dynamic yoga practice, Thursdays 7.15pm – 8.15pm
Book Ahead and Save Money!
Book 8 classes = £16 discount
Book 6 classes = £9 discount
Book 4 classes = £4 discount
drop-in £12 per class
Book via my website booking page or bookwhen.
