Water
Theres a lot to be said about feeling centred, balanced & stable.
When we are feeling centred, time moves at an appropriate pace, we are able to step left or right at a seconds notice without losing our balance (physical AND mental/emotional). We are able to respond, rather than react, and we are able to literally 'Go with the FLOW.'
In 5 Element theory (Traditional Chinese Medicine) The Water Element is about finding that FLOW, and that adaptability.
Water seeks a clear path, one free of obstacles... don't we all : )
The element of Water is linked to the Kidney and the Urinary Bladder organs and their meridians (energy channels).
Working with these meridians in YIN Yoga, by targeting the Fascia through which the meridians run, assists us in experiencing that centredness and flow by increasing the Qi (life force energy) that stimulates and enlivens these meridians and the body as a whole.
The Kidneys hold our "Essence Energy" called "Jing" and this "Essence Energy" makes us who we are, it determines our constitution - physically, mentally and emotionally.
We are born with a certain amount of "Jing" and it's finite... ie, it can't be made, or replenished... however it can be protected so we don't over use it, and deplete it. In YIN we increase the Qi in the Kidney meridian giving it a power surge and suring it up, and strong Kidneys and their meridians help sure US up aginst fear and insecurity, aiding us to feel centred and responsive as opposed to anxious & reactive.
The Urinary bladder meridian runs directly into the Limbic system in the Brain, which controls our emotional health, libido, motivation, as well as sleep and apatite, so increasing the Qi along this channel works towards calming and soothing the Limbic system, which in turn allows for a more balanced approah to life and it's situations, helps us be more considered and centred in our responses to all the things that we need to deal with on a daily basis.
Working with the Water Element in YIN not only physically affects our body, mood and emotions, by enriching and enlivening the channels and their associated organs with Qi, but also reminds us that Water is fluid, it is adaptable and flexible, despite it's changing forms be it liquid, ice or steam, or appearing calm or wavy.
So lets thrive!
Lets charge up the Kidneys and soothe the Limbic system so we can walk the middle line (The Tao) in a centred and considered way, responding to life and it's challenges without losing our balance.
AND... Drink LOT'S of Water! Our bodies Love being hydrated, especially the Fascia : )