Space/eather element - Akasha.

In Ayurveda and yoga philosophy, we work with five basic elements: earth, water, fire, air and space. These elements are collectively called the Pancha Mahabhuta, and they not only make up the world we live in, but also our body and mind. Space is the finest and most subtle of them all. It is not an element you can touch or see - but one you can feel.

Space in Sanskrit is called Akasha - and is described as emptiness, the limitless and the all-pervading. It is the very canvas on which life unfolds. Imagine an empty infinite space - not empty in a negative sense, but filled with potential and possibility. That is Akasha.

Space - in the body

In the body we find space in the cavities - the lungs that expand with each breath, the stomach that empties and fills, the throat that shapes words and sound. In the mind, Akasha is the ability to see the big picture, to listen deeply, and to hold space for silence without becoming uncomfortable with it.

Space is closely connected to our true nature - the part of us that silently observes but does not identify with thoughts and feelings. The part that just is - therein lies the recognition - you are not your thoughts and feelings - you are the underlying, the witness to it all - pure being - pure awareness - infinite - formless - expanding...

In balance

When the space element is in balance, we are humble, open and present. We listen more than we speak. We are intuitive, non-judgmental and able to hold space for others - without losing ourselves in the process. There is an inner peace, a feeling that life has room to unfold at its own pace.

Unbalanced

When the element is out of balance, we can become distant, cold, or begin to escape reality - out of touch with our own emotions or having difficulty communicating what we are really carrying.

Space - in meditation

I remember the first time I really understood what akasha/space means. I was sitting in meditation, trying to calm a restless stream of thoughts, and suddenly something changed. Not because the thoughts disappeared - but because I began to sink into the space in front of my closed eyes - which is called Chit - akasha. The silent, limitless space behind all the noise. It was like discovering a room in your own house that you never knew existed. The inner cosmos.

An optimal way to cultivate Space is to meditate. TO create space between thoughts - to emptiness - space - freedom.

The space element on the yoga mat

Choose open, expansive poses that create space in the body. For example, backbends like Camel pose and feel how the body opens and releases. Visualize the space inside your body as you breathe - the expansion of the lungs, the spaces between the vertebrae, the opening in the rib cage.

Take your time transitioning between poses. If you are a Vata type, gentle grounding poses will do you particularly good. Vata thrives on gentleness, warmth, and repetition rather than intensity and variety.

For breathing, Bhastrika and Brahmari pranayama are recommended, which vibrate gently in the throat and remind us of our connection to all-encompassing sound and space.

In everyday life

Clean up your physical space and your calendar.

Create conscious breaks and moments of silence in the midst of everyday life.

Say no to commitments that are not important.

Let light and air into your home

Burn uplifting essential oils

Cultivate a sense of lightness - whatever that means to you!

Vata dosha contains space

In Ayurveda, we are all a unique combination of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The element of space, along with air, is part of the Vata dosha, and if you are Vata by nature, you will recognize many of the qualities of space in yourself.

Consultation with me

If you want to learn about your own dosha constellation, you can book an Ayurvedic consultation with me, where we will find your strengths, weaknesses and where you will get tips for optimizing body care, diet, etc. I am a trained Ayurvedic counselor in Rishikesh, India and have taught, given talks and workshops about Ayurveda for many years.