Earth

Connection to this element gives us a sense of groundedness and draws us towards the centre; not only to the centre of ourselves, but to the centre of all things in the universe.  This connectedness or oneness with nature helps us not only grow in strength and wisdom – but also in compassion towards brother sun, sister moon and stars, brother wind, sister water, brother fire and mother earth (Canticle of the creatures – St Francis of Assisi).  We have an undeniable responsibility to care for our planet and all living creatures.

We all know ‘earth people’, those who have particular qualities of nurturing, consistency, perseverance, responsibility and being present.  However without the balance of the other elements, some of the less admirable qualities of laziness, indifference, intransigence may also be present.

Here at the studios, we connect and sustain this element through our home in the countryside; working respectfully with animal and plant life, providing a healthy diet, our pottery studio and our  yoga classes.  Some of the  yoga asana practices which support this element are those associated with the base chakra (Muladhara) such as Tadasana (Mountain Pose), Vrkasana (Tree) and Virabhadrasana (the warrior poses).