The fundamental building blocks of everything that we know to exist, according to the ancient wisdom of the Veda, are Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Aether or Space. This elemental series will explore my fascination with each element and how they may serve to improve mental, emotional and physiological wellness in our modern lives through creative processes.
A couple of years ago, I ran a sacred dance series that incorporated the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Aether/Space. Each week we explored a different element that inspired movement, music, contemplation and meditation. To integrate the journey through the elemental energies, we carefully weaved them together to create a felt sense of balance and harmony both personally and interpersonally.
The dance series started with Earth, as most elemental series in yoga do; however, it makes more sense to me to start this series by exploring Space or Aether because it is from this place that every other element arises.
Aether is the timeless and formless concept of space. The nothingness or no-thing out of which all experiences arise and into which they return. Imagination starts here, on this blank canvas. Sensations, thoughts and beliefs, emotions, ideas, desires, words, and actions all spring forth from this infinite vastness of potential. They exist within it for a while until they are replaced again and again by different versions of themselves. But this space always exists. Expansive and untouchable.
In our dance class, we began by exploring the space within us. In the yoga tradition, the element of space is associated with the throat chakra (energy vortex) called Vishuddhi. Chanting or singing is a wonderful way to start to explore this element within your body. As you prepare to create the vibration of sound, contemplate the silence before the inhale and then as you take in the breath. This is the preparation of the potential energy that will create the sound. After each sound, allow yourself to dwell in the suspenseful silence as the sound vibrations linger and then fade.
“Every time you create a gap in the stream of mind, the light of your consciousness grows stronger” Echkart Tolle
In our dance, we personally explored the moment before a movement arose from the body in the preparation phase. The shadows in the music determined where the space was in time. We explored the stillness in between the movements and at the end of the dance. Revelling in that sweet surrender that creates the breath-holding wonder in a beautiful dance. We created space in the body by first releasing existing tension held in the body and then resting peacefully in the vast sense of space within.
Next, we explored the space in between. As a group and in pairs, we playfully experienced the invitations and boundaries of interpersonal space. This was a fun experiment in understanding our own sense of personal space, reading others and how they communicate their needs to us with the language or the body and the face. The eyes are a powerful indicator, so exploring this element with eyes closed would be a wonderful twist.
Finally, we explored the vastness of space beyond the room that we were occupying. We imagined becoming transparent and integrating with the empty space beyond ourselves. Being in the state of no mind or pure consciousness. The unmanifested, from which all forms of creativity begin.
The only way to access this elusive state is in the present moment. Going beyond the limited confines of your mind can be the most liberating experience you will ever have. Once you go there, the pull to go back is magnetic.
Visualise your body and mind activity like a brick wall that slowly becomes transparent. Imagine all of the daily noise and drama that typically hits the brick wall and creates a negative reaction within you to pass through the invisible wall and drift out into deep space.
Try these exercises within your own creative sphere. You may use it in visual design, language, sound design, in your home or work and even in your relationships.
