Marta Gruber of Myriad Yoga in dancers pose on the Indianapolis Canal

“Love is the water of life, jump into this water.” — Rumi

Weekly Focus: Kapha — the water / earth element

Kapha is a combination of water and earth – two of the basic elements that everything in the universe is made up of, according to the Ayurveda (the sister science to Yoga) philosophy. In the Ayurveda tradition, there are three doshas, which are all made up of different combinations of air, water, fire, earth and ether. 

This week features the Summer Solstice Full Moon. The Moon is cyclical and ever present, flowing from state to state. How do we tap into the qualities of the full moon to find her infinitely fluid nature? Can you embrace the concept of sharing your Self, pouring out love and unity like the consistency of a waterfall or the cycle of the moon? Even as her (the moon’s) radiance ebbs and flows, there is always a trickle of space.

The moon is constantly ebbing and flowing like water — her cycle takes her in and out with a beautiful balance of light and dark. But always, she offers light She is steady and stable, grounded. These qualities make the full moon cycle the perfect time to consider Kapha, the water / earth element.

We can take inspiration from the tides of the moon. Just as a wave swells and collapses upon the ocean, our capacity may swell and release from day to day. Being able to share ourselves with love and authenticity towards the greater whole requires an acknowledgement of adaptation and balance. We cannot always give everything of ourselves, or our reserves will drain. Recognizing when we are over-flowing and can give more of ourselves allows us to move and flow with ease and consistency.

It’s all about recognizing our energy reservoir:

  1. When energy is abundant, we should invite ourself to offer and pour out more.
  2. When energy is low, we should pull back and refresh, to allow the mind and body to replenish.

We can still lead with love and care, but just allow our light to soften and recharge. 

Passive Pose of the Week: Supported Matsyasana (Supported Fish Pose)

pronunciation CLICK HERE 

Allow your heart to be open and whole as you pour the spine over your props.

  1. Before lying down, place two blocks at the back of your mat.
  2. Lie down and allow your upper back and spine be supported by the first block, and the back of your skull to be supported by the second.
  3. Allow your arms to drop wide to the floor. 
  4. Legs can go straight and wide or it may feel nice to bring the feet together, and to allow the knees to open wide like a book.

We find this pose offers the best benefits if you can sit and hold for a good 7 – 10 breaths. Really think about the back getting heavy and soft, and you may even find some nice snap, crackle, pops in the back!

Active Pose of the Week: Natarajasana (King Dancer Pose)

pronunciation CLICK HERE

Lead with your heart in this big back bend!

  1. Begin in mountain pose, standing with your feet about hips-width distance apart.
  2. Bear your weight into the right leg. Imagine rooting the foot into the earth and feel your weight lean to the right side slightly.
  3. Kick your left foot to your butt, reach your left hand behind you and grab hold of the foot.
  4. Lean forward and press your foot into your hand for a back bend. You will feel you foot start to press up and away.

One of the many challenges in this pose can be maintaining the balance will trying to shift your weight and introduce a back bend. If you want to focus on the upwards lift of the chest and foot, but find that balance is throwing you off, try practicing near a wall. Face the wall before you begin. Place your free hand on the wall in front of you to help steady and balance, so that the focus may be on the lift of the chest and foot.

Join us in class this week to practice connecting with Kapha!! See the schedule HERE.