How to feel lighter with the air element.

ELEMENTAL LIVING — air.

"The generosity of air allows each object to emerge and to be. Air gives space". John O'Donohue

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I am fascinated by the innate intelligence and alchemy of the elements - water, fire, earth and air - and how we can harness their healing properties in our lives, and in our homes. 

I am finally getting around to writing about air (a good three years after I wrote about the first three...!) Despite this extended hiatus, the beginnings of spring feels like a good time to explore the lightness and uplifting sense of renewal that the air element conjures.

Holding a bunch of paper light narcissi I have grown in the garden

Spring is in the air.

Spring is a season of birth, new beginnings, renewal, and growth. In Ayurveda, the ancient Indian health system (which often accompanies yoga), spring is said to be governed by the water and earth elements (known as kapha dosha). This is because as the earth slowly warms and as things begin to thaw and melt, there is a lot of moisture in the ground and atmosphere. 

I can vouch for this as I hear the ground squelch beneath my boots when I am in the garden, in between the April showers. Digging a hole to plant a climbing rose revealed a wishing-well of water. 

Ayurveda aims for equilibrium between the elements or doshas and so would advise that the light, freshness of air (alongside the warming fire) element is required to balance the heaviness that comes from the predominance of earth and water in spring.

Pots waiting to be planted in between the April showers in the garden

The nature of air. 

Air is unseen and the most intangible of the elements, yet we are surrounded by it.