Yoga and the Element Earth

Earth represents stability: the ability to maintain structural integrity under stress. It is embodied in Asana, or the quality of our yoga postures.

Asana is easy stability in the physical structure, in which each part of the body is aligned with the others, to support the whole effortlessly. By stabilizing the body, our mind also begins to stabilize and is quieted. Focusing on structure utilizing the principles of alignment is the earth aspect of practice.

Balanced application of the five techniques is essential to bring about a nurturing balance between the five elements. Over emphasis on earth leads to rigidity; neglect leads to weakness.