• We can compare the core teachings of all these faiths or religions and we will find one thing common is that they all have code of conducts, moral and ethical values. The Yama (Dos) and Niyama (Don'ts) the first two steps on the path of Yoga are also in the form of restrains and observances. Explaining what one should not do as five restrains and what one should do as five observances. They are ten in total. The universal code of conduct is marked in the Yoga text, the Patanjali Yoga sutra - the oldest documents on earth where some of the religions did not even exist! The purpose of Yogic Practices is to destroy the impurities of the mind and acquire physical practices for ultimately attaining Self Realization. "Meditation" means to "Reflect Upon". This happens when the mind is concentrated on a particular activity or object, internal or external, gross or subtle over an elongated period of time. In short, Yoga practices are universal and not limited to any particular group of people. No matter which faith or religion you observe or follow, Yoga can be practiced by everyone who want to live a healthy life: physically, mentally and spiritually.
• The soul, like the moon, is new, and always new again. And I have seen the ocean continuously creating. Since I scoured my mind and my body, I too am new, each moment new. My teacher told me one thing. Live in the soul. When that was so, I began to go naked, and dance. ~ Lalla (14th century poet and mystic from Kashmir)
• Forget about enlightenment. Sit down wherever you are and listen to the wind that is singing in your veins. Feel the love, the longing and the fear in your bones.Open your heart to who you are, right now, not who you would like to be. Not the saint you’re striving to become. But the being right here before you, inside you, around you. All of you is holy. You’re already more and less than whatever you can know. Breathe out, look in, let go. ~John Welwood
• This is one of my most important blog posts. It talks about the concept of "tissue memory," The concept is an area injured during trauma (whether it is an accident, abuse, invasive surgery) is released, all of the feelings, emotions, and sensations that you experienced during the initial event may also be released. The same fear, the same pain, the same anxiety may resurface, just as intensely as when the original trauma occurred. This is "tissue memory."
• *The 5 Elements

Tattvas: State of Matter

Each elemental practice is based on the teachings of the tattwas; the five elements of nature. These elements form the structure of our mind/body and the world we live in; and a deeper understanding of the elements allows our practice to evolve with changing seasons and life cycles, and creates a foundation from which to sustain a lifelong practice of yoga. The teachings of the elements, are found throughout many eastern and western healing systems, and is the basis of Ayurveda and yoga therapy. As an application to Rhythmic Flow Yoga; we cultivate each element through a synthesis of specific vinyasa sequencing & kriyas, along with intentional visualizations, instrumentation and rhythms; culminating into a non-verbal “play” between the practitioners and the drummers. As the practice and rhythms build, the action of movement and sound create the power to transform; revealing power, presence and passion in the practice. If feeling stagnant in your yoga practice, this is an opportunity to break through the mold of old habitual patterns, and enjoy the evolution of your body through rhythm. With the inspiration from the drummers, Kristin guides the practice of each element; leading up to the final portion of the practice allowing the student to move into their own free form personal prana sadhana. During prana sadhana Kristin plays percussion with the other drummers, so that the practitioners have the opportunity to explore moving the body without instructions or limitations…all the while the drummers accompany your practice and the music builds. Beginners are welcome, especially those who may feel nervous but have that curious spark….this is a special, live, liberating, creative, juicy, evolving practice. Come play! Enjoy the grooves of long-time Rhythmic Flow percussionists: Troy Pierce, Loren Gulak, Adam Stetten & Kristin Cooper Gulak on djembe, congas, cajone, doumbek, darbuca, udu, didjeridoo, tongue drum, and Tibetan bowls.

Earth Practice

Prithivi – Grounding

Earth practice is a grounding, slow moving, roots based depth practice centered around apana vayu, or downward movement of energy, and the steady, bass heavy rhythms of the djembe and bufflo drum. This practice builds strength, awareness, and stability with a focus on foundation, and hip-openers. All levels are welcome, as we move through a slow, deep vinyasa practice; completing with a restorative savasana and longer period of meditation. This practice is slow, steady, and strong. Muladhara Chakra; 1st Chakra Root is discussed as a teaching tool for this practice.

Fire Practice

Agni – Transformation

Fire Practice is centered around the energy of transformation, purification, and passion, with a focus on staccato rhythms-rapid, sharp, and very energetic! This practice can help with digestion and detoxification, and helps the mind to break through habitual patterns. Fire represents metabolism, heat, and the practice of “tapas” or discipline. All levels welcome; be prepared to build heat, sweat and detox as we move through a series of rapid kriyas, along with a yang based vinyasa flow, lengthy relaxation, and kirtan. This practice is rapid, expansive and strong. Manipura Chakra; 3rd Chakra Navel/Solar Plexus is discussed as a teaching tool for this practice.

Water Practice

Apas – Rejuvenation

Water Practice is a nurturing, rejuvenating practice incorporating yin, fluid vinyasa, tai chi and circular wave motion through the body with a focus on softer slower instrumentation. This is a nourishing, practice with the intent to cultivate inner balance from depletion, stress, and over-stimulation/yang based living and yang based yoga practices. As a male or female practitioner, the Water Practice is also an opportunity to honor the feminine; lunar element, and embrace shanti- peacefulness and the state of tranquility. We work to visualize and move the body as liquid matter; releasing old patterns of stress/tightness/feeling “stiff”. This practice is quiet, internal, and nourishing. Svadhishthana Chakra; 2nd Chakra Sex & Ajna Chakra; 6th Chakra 3rd Eye will be discussed as a teaching tool for this practice.

Air Practice

Vayu – Expansion

Air Practice is centered around the energy of movement and expansion! Incorporating the fluid quatlies of water, the transforming qualities of fire, and the spontaneous quality of wind, this practice is swift and light. Arm balances, backbending, and pranayama will be explored in detail. This practice is fun, light-hearted and playful. Anahata Chakra; 4th Chakra Heart will be discussed as a teaching tool for this practice.

Space Practice – Rhythmic Dance!

Akasha – Freedom

Space is the mother of all other elements; and the experience of space as emptiness is taught as the basis of spiritual experience. The most mystical of the elements, space is omnipresent. Space forms physical attraction/repulsion, receptivity/ expansion; and is often associated with the sky/heaven/the invisible/ and everything in-between. Within the body we relate to space within the emptiness-within the lungs, the mouth, the stomach. The most free form of all of the practices, Rhythmic Dance evolved out of the desire to roll up the yoga mats and allow the drummers to let loose! This practice begins with an exploration of the rhythmic movements of the 4 foundational elements, leading into the exploration of free form movement/dance exploration of space in the room. This is a liberating, joyful, no attitude, loving, no “I can’t dance” statements-an opportunity for every individual-big and small, young and old, to GET FREE and have a great time as a community. This practice teaches us how to let go and give ourselves permission to a practice complete non-resistance, self-love, and JOY.

• The Relation of the 5 Elements, Tanmatras, Indriyas and Chakras

In addition to the 5 mahabutas animals and humans consist of 11 indriyas. The indriyas include the 5 sense organs (ears, skin, eyes, tongue, and nose), the 5 organs of action (vocal cords, hands, feet, genitals, and anus) and the mind.

The senses are are subtle elements referred to as tanmatras. The five elements become more evident in the functioning of the five senses (hearing, touch, sight, taste, smell). Each sense organ has a quality specific to it. (e.g. our eyes see and our hands touch). The five elements function with the five sense organs, allowing us to perceive the physical world through the senses. Since these are the organs thorough which we perceive reality, the five sense organs are referred to as jnanendriyas from the word jnana meaning “knowledge” in Sanskrit.

Each of the five elements is also related to a primary organ of action, allowing the body to respond to the input of the five sense. These five organs are named karmendriyas from the Sanskrit word karma meaning “action”.

The five lower chakras (muladhara, svadhistana, manipura, anahata, and vishuddha) are attuned to the energies of the five elements, and thus also have a relation to the tanmantra and indriyas associated with each element.

This table indicates the correlations between the mahabhutas, tanmatras, indriyas, and chakras. Further explaination on their relationships are given below the table.

Element Mahabhuta Role in Existence Sense Tanmatra Jnanendriya Karmendriya Chakra Ether/Space Aakash Space Hearing/Sound Sabda Ears Vocals/ Mouth Vishuddha Air/Wind Vayu/Pavana Movement Touch Sparsa Skin Hands Anahata Fire Agni/Tejas Energy Sight Rupa Eyes Feet Manipura Water Jala/Apas Force of attraction Taste Rasa Tongue Genitals Svadhistana Earth Prithvi/Bhumi Solidity Smell Gandha Nose Anus Muladhara

Read more: http://flowingfree.org/the-5-elements/#ixzz2nHENNjQU

• According to many traditional systems of cosmology and medicine, all of creation is composed of

and governed by five elements – earth, water, fire air and space. These five elements are considered the fundamental constituents of each individual, and represent progressively more subtle aspects of our being. In yoga practice and in daily living, we can use the model of the five elements to help us create balance and health in our lives.

The first element is earth, and this element relates to the framework of the body – the bones and muscles. The qualities of this element are solidity, form and stability. When we learn a new yoga posture, this is where we begin. We get the basic shape of the pose, and then begin to refine the relationships between the parts of the structure. This balanced alignment makes the structure more stable and less subject to strain. The earth aspect of a pose is its foundation, that part of the body that is touching the floor. When you press your feet into the floor in Mountain Pose, or press your hands firmly into the mat in Downward Facing Dog Pose, you are expressing the earth element.

The next element is water, which corresponds to the internal organs of the body. If the earth element of the musculo-skeletal system is like a container, the water element of the organic body is its contents. These inner structures are softer and literally contain more liquid. The qualities of the water element are weight combined with fluidity and adaptability. As the outer forms of our poses become more organized and familiar, we can begins to sense movement within the stillness of the form. The movement of breath, circulation, heartbeat and digestion are all rhythmic expressions of the organic body. When we experience ourselves as being firm but not rigid, receptive but not collapsed, we are balancing the elements of earth and water.

The element of fire is hot, stimulating and invigorating. In our practice, the fire element isn’t stimulated only when we are heated and sweating. The fire element is related to the brain and nervous system, and to the mind and emotions, known as manas. Our thoughts move like electric current along our nerves. To harness the energy of our thoughts and emotions requires will power. This element is accessed when we use the fire of our will to practice regularly, to try challenging poses or to extend our holding times. We can also use our will and awareness to tame the constant motion of this outer layer of the mind and to work skillfully with habitual emotional patterns. To work with the mind and will in this way is to access the power of the fire element.

We have moved from solidity of earth, to the adaptability of water and the heat of fire. Now we come to the air element, which expresses lightness and movement. On the outer level, the air element connects to our breathing and the circulation of prana or life force through the body. On the subtle level, the air element relates to a deeper aspect of mind, the discriminating intelligence known as buddhi. This intelligence lets us make distinctions and value judgments, supporting choices based on deep wisdom rather than on old patterns or habitual desires. When we do yoga, the air element helps us refine our postures and apply mental acuity to our practice. We learn to be highly alert yet calm, able to discern subtle ways to move towards effortless effort. The air element supports the journey inward to experience a quiet and stable mind. The final element in this model is that of space, considered the container or womb of all existence. This constituent, also known as ether, relates to consciousness and to sound. Sound is vibration, more subtle than form. We know from modern science that all matter is 99.999% empty space, with infinitesimally small particles or waves moving in ever-changing relationships. Connecting to the space element helps us to recognize that on the deepest level of existence, everything is in constant flux, and therefore amenable – open to change and new possibilities. The space element supports us in coming to practice from a place of connection to the divine and openness to move beyond past conditioning.

In any situation or any yoga practice, we can check in to see which elements are dominating the experience and which may be missing. As we move from the solidity of earth to the vastness of space, we penetrate the various layers of our being, bringing balance and harmony to the whole.

• “The body is the way to our spirit, to our true Self. That’s what asana is for”.
• Earth Vinyasa

Shifting slowly, mirroring the qualities of the earth element including the sensations of grounding and stabilising, working with flexion and extension in the joints and lengthening the inhalation and exhalation for steadiness in the mind. This steady earth vinyasa sequence will be focusing on the hips, hamstrings and forward bends.

• Air Vinyasa

Moving consciously on our mats, we draw upon the qualities of the air element including lightness, clarity and the art of balance. Focusing on the spine, upper back, shoulders, heart space and opening into the upper chest to fully embrace life! This invigorating air vinyasa sequence will be focusing on safety in back-bends and mobility in the torso.

Fire Vinyasa Diving deep into self empowerment we connect to our inner strength, igniting the qualities of the fire element by moving dynamically, incorporating playful arm balances, twisting and core strength. This transformational fire vinyasa will include different variations of warrior poses which are great for generating internal heat and building stamina in the entire body.

Water Vinyasa Flowing and moving in circles and spirals, we invoke the qualities of the water element with a full range of movement and connecting to the fluid body for a beautiful spontaneous practice. This water vinyasa sequence will be creative and challenging including graceful transitions and rhythmic vinyasas leaving you with a sense of "going with the flow".

• The first element is earth, and this element relates to the framework of the body – the bones and

muscles. The qualities of this element are solidity, form and stability. When we learn a new yoga posture, this is where we begin. We get the basic shape of the pose, and then begin to refine the relationships between the parts of the structure. This balanced alignment makes the structure more stable and less subject to strain. The earth aspect of a pose is its foundation, that part of the body that is touching the floor. When you press your feet into the floor in Mountain Pose, or press your hands firmly into the mat in Downward Facing Dog Pose, you are expressing the earth element.

The next element is water, which corresponds to the internal organs of the body. If the earth element of the musculo-skeletal system is like a container, the water element of the organic body is its contents. These inner structures are softer and literally contain more liquid. The qualities of the water element are weight combined with fluidity and adaptability. As the outer forms of our poses become more organized and familiar, we can begins to sense movement within the stillness of the form. The movement of breath, circulation, heartbeat and digestion are all rhythmic expressions of the organic body. When we experience ourselves as being firm but not rigid, receptive but not collapsed, we are balancing the elements of earth and water.

The element of fire is hot, stimulating and invigorating. In our practice, the fire element isn’t stimulated only when we are heated and sweating. The fire element is related to the brain and nervous system, and to the mind and emotions, known as manas. Our thoughts move like electric current along our nerves. To harness the energy of our thoughts and emotions requires will power. This element is accessed when we use the fire of our will to practice regularly, to try challenging poses or to extend our holding times. We can also use our will and awareness to tame the constant motion of this outer layer of the mind and to work skillfully with habitual emotional patterns. To work with the mind and will in this way is to access the power of the fire element.

We have moved from solidity of earth, to the adaptability of water and the heat of fire. Now we come to the air element, which expresses lightness and movement. On the outer level, the air element connects to our breathing and the circulation of prana or life force through the body. On the subtle level, the air element relates to a deeper aspect of mind, the discriminating intelligence known as buddhi. This intelligence lets us make distinctions and value judgments, supporting choices based on deep wisdom rather than on old patterns or habitual desires. When we do yoga, the air element helps us refine our postures and apply mental acuity to our practice. We learn to be highly alert yet calm, able to discern subtle ways to move towards effortless effort. The air element supports the journey inward to experience a quiet and stable mind. The final element in this model is that of space, considered the container or womb of all existence. This constituent, also known as ether, relates to consciousness and to sound. Sound is vibration, more subtle than form. We know from modern science that all matter is 99.999% empty space, with infinitesimally small particles or waves moving in ever-changing relationships. Connecting to the space element helps us to recognize that on the deepest level of existence, everything is in constant flux, and therefore amenable – open to change and new possibilities. The space element supports us in coming to practice from a place of connection to the divine and openness to move beyond past conditioning.

In any situation or any yoga practice, we can check in to see which elements are dominating the experience and which may be missing. As we move from the solidity of earth to the vastness of space, we penetrate the various layers of our being, bringing balance and harmony to the whole.