the five elements: water
The fourth element is jala, known as liquid or water. The other four elements are space, air, fire, and earth.
In the human body we find liquid in the saliva that helps us digest food, the blood flowing through our veins and the lubrication that protects our joints, spinal cord and brain tissue.
The water element is cohesion, nourishment and growth.
What does the water element look like for you?
Do you go with the flow? More importantly, are you nourished enough so that you can roll with whatever life throws at you?
The water element holds you together so you can be flexible while staying true to yourself.
Ayurveda teaches that life is a dance between too much and too little of each element.
cultivating balance
Too much water? Liquid overflow could look like weight gain, bloating, or lethargy... basically being a little too nourished.
How can you balance excess water?
Reduce sweets, break a sweat, practice sun salutations or enjoy a ginger lemonade- without sugar.
Too little water? Lack of liquid is dehydration, constipation, dry skin, itchy eyes, or feeling frazzled.
How can you balance deficient water?
Consider what would nourish your soul. Try journaling, abhyanga (Ayurvedic self massage), Yin Yoga or adding ghee into your diet.
In my life I tend toward excess air and fire which then dries out my water element. When I catch myself “burning up” I douse the fire with Yin Yoga, a relaxing walk at the beach, liquidy stews, nourishing rice with ghee or a bath with lavender and geranium essential oils.
What is your relationship with the water element? How do you create nourishment for yourself?
Share in the comments below or head over to the free Simple Ayurveda Community Facebook community group.
