The second element is vayu, known as air or wind. The other four elements are space, fire, water and earth.

In the human body the air element is the blood circulating, the air flowing, the mobility of our joints and the pulsations of the nervous system.

It is also the flow of thoughts and ideas.

The movement of air could look like free flow journaling, painting or creating without a plan, spontaneity, travel, mixing up new ingredients, a brisk walk and surfing the internet.

Most of us in modern culture tend toward too much of the air element.

Are you always on the go... or do you take time to pause?

Ayurveda teaches that life is a dance between too much and too little of each element.

Too much air? It could look like emotions and thoughts that fly like the wind, feeling scattered, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and random pains in your body that can’t be explained.

How can you balance excess air?

Commit to a regular morning routine and bedtime. Calm the movement in your mind and body by creating a daily rhythm. Fellow mamas, ask for help. Self care is critical!

Too little air? It could look like too much time on the couch, extra weight, tightness or sluggishness.

How can you balance deficient air?

Go for a walk, get your circulation going or volunteer to watch your friend’s toddler. Playing with children or puppies is guaranteed to move stagnant energy!

My prakriti is pitta-vata and I tend to favor air-like activities like travel and reading nonfiction. Reading is the flow of information and ideas. For me, balance of the air element is usually reducing movement in my life and spending a few moments taking slow, calming breaths. 

How do you create movement in your life? How do you find balance?

Share in the comments below or head over to the free Simple Ayurveda Community Facebook community group.