Air

Air has qualities of clarity, lightness and movement.  Though invisible, just like the wind, it is extremely powerful and has a profound effect on the world. It is associated with life – ‘the breath of life’ ; a baby takes ‘its first breath’, when we die we take our ‘ final breath’.

Within yoga spirituality, an entire practice – Pranayama, is dedicated to the study of the flow of prana/ livingness , that we can most easily recognize as the breath. This discipline  is full of breathing practices to help activate and direct prana flow.

Typically, those who identify a lot with the air element,  have carefree, light and joyful personalities; however too much air in the personality can be shown as inconstancy, a tendency to gossip and a lack of perseverance.

 

Living in the Antrim countryside, we are blessed with fresh air every day in life. Up until the 1500’s the entire area of Ballinderry was covered in Oak trees (hence the name Ballin-derry – town of the oak wood).  On the farm we have an active re-forestation program, so as the trees grow, the air will be even purer – thank-you trees!  Our yoga practice here honors the importance of Pranajama, chant and the wisdom and benefits of sound (Nada Yoga). Mostly these are practiced within an eclectic hatha yoga practice.