Yoga for Resilience Week 5: Spirit

Trust. Surrender. Mystery. The unknown. Letting go

Inner Resilience

The fifth element is sometimes considered ether, or spirit. It is the force that earth, water, fire and air descend from. In the yoga tradition, the fifth element is Akasha, the original element, which can also be translated as ‘sky’. Here are the sanskrit names of the elements from the Hindu/ Yogic perspective, all 5 knows as the pancha mahabhuta,

1-Vayu (wind or air)
2-Ap (water)
3-Agni fire)
4-Prithvi (earth)
5-Akasha (sky)

Akasha describes the essence of all things, or the imperceptible force from which all of life is derived. This mysterious spirit/ life force is important as we explore inner resilience, as it reminds us that we cannot control or predict life. As we open our hearts and minds to the mystery, we let go of expectations of what we think life should be. We cultivate trust in the unknown, and trust in life. We surrender to the great mystery. There is a concept in Yoga, ‘Ishvar Pranidhana’ which refers to this same practice, letting go of control, surrendering to the mystery, and trusting in life.

Spirit Element Yoga Practice:

 

Spirit Element Yoga Nidra:

Practice Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep meditation) by finding a comfortable place to lay (your bed is fine, or a comfy set up on the floor or couch), make sure that you are comfortable with layers of warmth and supports for the head and under the knees. As well, you may place a covering like an eye pillow or light scarf, over the eyes. This is a relaxation practice, so listen to sound of the guidance, using headphones/ ear buds if possible. Know that every experience is unique in Yoga Nidra, you may or may not retain or recall what happened. Simply listen to the guidance, relaxing and letting your experience unfold.

Yoga Nidra Link to Stream/ Download: https://www.dropbox.com/s/adve1dghl373usg/5%20elements%20nidra.mp3?dl=0