Connecting to the Air element and your mental health
Air can be playful, gently rustling the leaves on a tree or the strands of our hair, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. This gentle presence of air can have a soothing and calming effect on our minds and bodies, helping us to relax and unwind. This gentle side of air reminds us of the importance of embracing moments of quiet reflection and stillness in our busy lives. On the other hand, air can also display a more powerful and unpredictable side. During a windy day, the force of the wind can escalate, creating a turbulent and chaotic energy that can be both exhilarating and disorienting. The strong gusts of wind can provoke a sense of restlessness and scattered energy within us, making it challenging to focus and stay grounded. Just as quickly as the wind can calm and soothe, it can also stir and challenge us, pushing us out of our comfort zones and inviting us to embrace the unknown.
Taking a breath of air is the first thing we do when we come into this world and the last thing we do before we depart it. An extremely vital element. When thinking about the Air element you might visualise it as a soft and gentle breeze, or perhaps a gusty and forceful wind. How does this element make you feel? Is it calming on your system or does it make you feel a little anxious or scattered?
The air element within us represents aspects of the mind, intellect, communication, and knowledge. Air energy flows through the sky carrying the aspects of thought and communications. People with a balanced Air aspect are often seen as intelligent and well spoken because of their analytical minds that can observe a situation from every angle.
Check out our collaborative Air Spotify playlist here - save your favourites and add any of your own songs that remind you of the Air element.
The three astrological Air signs are Gemini, Libra and Aquarius, and they are the thinkers, communicators, and doers of the zodiac. They are often eccentric beings with a need for adventure, travel and fun. Sometimes Air energy can come off as elusive and hard to read and will often present as valuing logic over emotion, often letting the brain take the lead (unlike say, water signs, who lead with their hearts).
If the Air element within you is out of balance - either too much or too little, it may lead you to feel withdrawn, noncommittal, unproductive, unfocused, sluggish, or overloaded with racing thoughts.
Ways to bring Air balance into your life:
Spend some time watching the clouds
Spend some time bird watching, draw them to your home
Sage/cleanse your space with incense
Open the windows on fresh Air days
Seek out a high perch with a view to the horizon
Try a breathing meditation (follow the breath)
Work out, bringing oxygen to the cells
Keep a journal as a tangible record of your thoughts
Bring wind chimes into your garden or play vibrational sounds in your home
Bring awareness to your breath - include incense in your Yoga practice
Try arial Yoga - Include flow (think “wind”) in your sequence
Learn breathing techniques such as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing)
Try a breath work class