“Our potential lies between what is and what could be.” – Kim Butler
Weekly Focus: Ether (the element of potentiality)
Ether, also known as ‘akasha,’ is the most subtle of the elements in Ayurveda (the sister science to yoga), and it holds space for all the other elements to fill. It is the basin of potential and creation. It is what we fill in this space that moves our potential forward. Ether is omnipresent and still, awaiting activation.
Within Ayurveda we see the elements as reflections of traits, both physical, mental and emotional, that each person carries. We all hold each of the elements within us, though some of us present more strongly in one or two than another. These elements and their traits are known as doshas. Sometimes, we may look to one element more than another to create balance or harmony.
The element of Ether is clear, light, subtle, soft, immeasurable, still and spacious; similar to the space of the New Moon, which is coming up this week. Tuning in to these qualities may help us to set new goals for the upcoming month, to align with our greater purpose. This openness leads us to possibility, which is a perfect arena to consider intentions and goals.
At the edge of winter melting into spring, we sit with the seeds of our intentions planted, waiting, in stillness. How we choose to nourish these seeds is up to us. This nourishment is what will propel growth as we build deep roots and expand into our potential. Embracing Ether is like holding yourself open to possibility, to seeing and receiving the unexpected. This might mean that we receive inspiration in surprising places, or learn lessons amongst the mundane. However, if we don’t allow ourselves to be open and receptive, we might never receive the gifts that the Universe is offering us, however small. We might miss the nagging sensation to reconnect with a friend, or we may miss the beauty of a crocus peeking out of the snow. Both tangibly and emotionally, how can we be more open and receptive to the gifts of the Universe?
Here is a simple practice in opening yourself to possibility:
- Save space for quietude — allow yourself 5 – 10 minutes in a quiet and comfortable space. Close your eyes and focus on your breath.
- Find a subtle gratitude practice — begin to recall what you are grateful. Initially, you make consider the most obvious things – friends, family, a home. Try to get deeper with it. Think about the subtle moments in life that bring you joy, peace, and contentment.
- Reflect on your gratitude — open your eyes and pick 2 – 3 items that surprised you. Take a few moments to journal about why you are grateful, and perhaps what can be learned from this experience.
Passive Pose of the Week: Viparita Karani (legs up the wall pose)
Viparita Karani is a restful posture that allows the body time to reset. As a gentle inversion, this posture also offers space to flip our perspective. Perhaps this pose allows time to reflect – where in life are we shying away from possibility and potential?
- Come to a wall and sit with your right hip near the wall.
- Lie down on your side and swing your legs up the wall. You can scoot your seat closer to the wall if it makes you feel more comfortable.
- Let the legs rest on the wall without any effort to tense or strengthen the legs.
- If able, rest here for 5 – 7 minutes.
- When you are ready to come down, slowly slide the feet down the wall and press yourself away.
Legs up the wall has a few different variations that can be nice for the legs. You might keep the legs straight up, or perhaps let the legs drop wide for a splits position. Another option still is to bring the soles of the feet together, sliding the heels towards the pelvis, and allowing the knees to open like a butterfly. Play around with different leg positions to see what feels good. Be open to the possibility of a new and interesting experience!
Active Pose of the Week: Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutations)
Chandra namaskar is is also known as a moon salutation. Moon salutations are often practiced during a full or a new moon. Ether has so many similarities to the New Moon, as mentioned above. We often think about honoring the moon during it’s fullest phase, but what if we honor the absolute potential of the moon during it’s newest and darkest phase? The new moon this week is a beautiful time to practice our sun salutations. In her darkness the moon has capacity to expand, to grow brighter and bolder as it begins to wax.
- A moon salutation follows this series of poses:
- Begin standing in the center of your mat in mountain pose. Step your feet wide for five pointed star.
- Bend the knees and find a goddess squat.
- Turn your right toes forward and find triangle pose. Fold forward into pyramid pose.
- Drop the back knee and lift up into a low lunge. Turn to your left and come into a skandasana pose.
- Bring your hands to the ground and walk to skandasana at the back of your mat.
- Turn to your left again and find low lunge on the second side. From here you reverse all of the postures.
- Bring your hands to the ground and push up into Pyramid Pose.
- From Pyramid pose, open up into a triangle pose.
- Turn back towards the long edge of your mat and find goddess squat once again.
- Lift up into a five pointed star and step the feet together for mountain pose.
