“Standing Waves” Akasha Yoga – 4 Elements Asana Practice

Pranayama (ether – akasha) will be practiced in all 4 elements of asanas.  

Our bodies as well as the cosmos is made up of five elements. Having a yoga practice that honors elements can be inspiring, balanced and rewarding. The five elements that make up our cosmos are akasha, vayu, agni, apasand prithvi (ether, air, fire, water and earth), in order of increasing grossness. Of these, akasha is the most mysterious and intangible yet the most powerful since in it, is contained all the other four! It is the most subtle element, often called “space”. Ether is the essence of “emptiness” and is the space that the other elements fill. Ether is considered to have qualities of lightness, airiness, and spirituality.

Ether is the fundamental element that holds all 4 elements within it. Like ether, we add the airiness & spiritual gift of Pranayama (breath work) to…

1) Mat Asanas – Earth Element: “Grounding ” Hatha/Vinyasa-Restorative Practices. The focus is gravity poses – twists, folds, hip, head & heart opening, seated, front, back & side angle traditional & unique sequences. We will address correct alignment principles, core vs. flexibility, chakra system, intentions + to soften in our strength with earth & sun salutes. It’s the most dense/gross & familiar in the physical field – our Home.

2) Hot Asanas – Fire Element:  Detoxification & Purification Practice + Warming to Bones & Musculature is the focus. Challenging for some doshas but can quickly cleanse and may give a sense of “Renewal”.

3) Aqua Asanas – Water Element:  Anti-Gravity Vinyasa Practice.  Heather’s aqua-yoga is a precious practice birthed here at the sacred springs. The waters reminds us that we too are mostly water (Yin) yet we find our strength (Yang) in a flowing way. We can surrender to a strong current yet find a subtle wave in the stillpoint. To “Nurture” annd emerse  ourselves with the element of water is the focus in this practice. Our Buoyancy can be a new best friend.. Standing Waves!

4) Aerial Asana – Air Element: The gravitation pull literally turns upside down and we get a  reversed energy flow – stimulating internal organs, chakras & brain. The focus is  supported inversions that wake up & decompress the spine + supports detoxing & lymph cleansing. The benefits & focus immense – too many to mention! The most vast yoga practice of all – To fly in our asanas – to  “Re-Awaken”

The transmission of Heather’s teaching & embodiment is powerful YIN – like the waters at Harbin. Both remind us to FLOW and that is where we begin.. Ground, Renew,  Nurture & Re-Awaken this Weekend!

Innately perceptive with presence and wildly passionate about dance & yoga, Heather m applies a level of determination and delight to her classes & workshops that’s truly one of a kind. Her yogic approach is focused on union within (yoke) and with each other, (collective yoke) – finding softness in strength – the key to unlocking one’s deepest aspirations & ailments. The core of her yoga teaching is alignment-based Hatha, Vinyasa, Restorative. She may weave in Yoga Ethics, Yoga Elements, Intentions, Mudras, Digestion & Detoxing, Kundalini & Pranayama Techniques  as well as “hands on“  (CMT) adjustments for a deeper level of yoga therapy— in her public classes, workshops, and private sessions.

About the Instructor: