5 elements theory is concerned in what holds body together rather in separated part of the body. This approach connects seasonal changes, environment, emotions, lifestyle and health.
The nature provides us beautiful and inspiring examples, we just need to see the metaphors and get strength from nature to be in harmony with nature.
Living against natural cycle of life causes imbalance in the body and unease. When we don’t follow natural cycle of activity and rest, we create dis-ease in our body. Capitalism established 100 % effectiveness and productivity without resting time – it’s against our natural cycle.
NATURE IS OUR GURU
The main moto of this retreat is that NATURE IS OUR GURU. There is so much of inspiration in the nature, so much wisdom, energy and power. We are here to become one with our guru – nature.
Nature is not only our surrounding, we are part of that. Nature harmonizes us and nurtures us. We are here to renew this connection with nature or make it stronger so that we feel as part of it.
Our body works in harmony with natural cycle. But nowadays because we live in the city, disconnected from the natural cycle, we tend to forget how important the balanced life is. In our restless life style, there is no enough space for listening our natural calling of the body for certain needs.
Through this retreat we will also realize that our body needs and natural cycle is not corresponding to current western capitalist style. We don’t need to be 100% productive, efficient and stressed all the time. The key point is to realize we are not a prisoners, we can be part of the change in system and we can try to find peace in this system.
This yoga retreat will be focused on Chinese 5 elements theory. Every day we will focus on one element – METAL (minerals), WATER, WOOD, FIRE, EARTH. We will understand the nature of each and every element and its significance for our balance.
DAY – METAL
HIGHLIGHTS OF METAL – transformation, change, non-resistance to natural cycle of life, endings and new beginings
ORGANS: lungs and large intestine
AFFIRMATION: You are able to finish all projects you desire to be done. Once you finish project, you are able to move on and doors for other projects will open.
CHARACTERISTIC OF METAL ELEMENT
- Balance and justice
- Heavy and downward drawing
- Stillness and slowness
- Re-transformation without losing integrity
- Sharp energy centred into one point
HEALTH ASPECTS CONNECTED TO METAL
- Astma and alergies
- Immune system
- Bowel disturbances – problems with excretion
- Closely connected with organs that maintain homestasis
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS CONNECTED TO METAL
- Lungs stores grief
- Anxiety restricts breathing process
- Being too harsh with yourself
- Lack of joyfulness and playfulness
- Unability to tolerate other opinions
DAY – WATER
HIGHLIGHTS OF WATER: flow, flexibility, adaptability, fear of connection
ORGANS: kidney and urinary bladder
AFFIRMATION: I have no fear to let things flow naturally in my life. Instead of fear there is something bad happening, I trust there is something good for me.
CHARACTERISTIC OF ELEMENT WOOD
- Development, expansion and grow
- New beginnings, new projects
- Well grounded (roots), strong but flexible at the same time – when wind comes your strong roots will support you but the upper part will adapt to the wind
- Clear mind during tough situation
- Vision, dream, creativity, organize your ideas
HEALTH ASPECTS CONNECTED WITH WOOD
- Menstrual and gynaecological issues – liver stores blood
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS CONNECTED WITH WOOD
- Anger – the inability to express, supressed creativity creates frustration, over/under assertiveness, headache/migrane
- Forgiveness
- Benevolence and kindness to yourself
- patience
DAY – FIRE
HIGHLIGHTS OF FIRE: passion for life, juice in life, sense of abundance and maturity
ORGANS: heart and small intestine
AFFIRMATION: Love springs from my heart spreading light all around the world. I feel gratitude and abundance in my life. I feel passion for life and resolution to fulfil my dreams.
CHARACTERISTIC OF ELEMENT FIRE
- Power and resolution
- Fire is light and energy to move on
- Satisfaction
- Natural charisma, love and kindness
- Fire is also purification – burn unnecessary thoughts
HEALTH ASPECTS CONNECTED WITH FIRE
- Cardio-vascular system
- Insomnia
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS CONNECTED WITH FIRE
- Jealousy
- Anxiety
- gratitude
DAY – EARTH
HIGHLIGHTS OF EARTH– stability, stillness, nourishment
ORGANS: spleen/stomach (pancreas)
AFFIRMATION: I am centred, well grounded. I feel support of the mother Earth for my journey.
CHARACTERISTIC OF ELEMENT EARTH
- Ability to learn lesson
- Transform experience into new ideas
- Ability to connect with people – empathy
- Stable, stillness
- Ability to delegate tasks
HEALTH ASPECTS CONNECTED WITH EARTH
- Digestive system
- Distribution of nutrients around our body
- Eating disorders
- Lymphatic problems
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS CONNECTED WITH EARTH
- Digestion of experiences
- Obsessive thinking
- Worries prevents us from transformation ideas into action, this is limitation for our soul to manifest itself in this world
- Over-caring for others
- Neglecting oneself
- Lack of focus
- Sense of being centred – without this sense we aren’t able to clear our intentions, we get stuck.