Ether Element

"All perceptible matter comes from a primary substance, or tenuity beyond conception, filling all space, the akasha or luminiferous ether, which is acted upon by the life giving Prana or creative force, calling into existence, in never-ending cycles all things and phenomena.” - Nikola Tesla

Ether is intangible, immeasurable and clear, yet we can't live without it. It is what some refer to as our essence, soul or spirit. Just as we can't see sound but we know its presence, the same is true of ether.

It is our higher collective consciousness and universal essential intelligence that is our birthright. In Sanskrit, ether is called Akasha. You may have heard Deepak Chopra talk about the Akashic filed as, "the pre-created field from which everything emerges and the universe comes." Ether is the element that holds this knowledge and the blueprint for existence.

Your cells know how to function, the mighty oak can grow from a tiny seed, the seasons change annually, and bees pollenate - all based on an innate inner-knowing. None of it requires thinking or doing, but occurs naturally from being in existence. Ayurveda believes ether originated from the sound of Om or Aum, and was the first of the five elements created.

Here are some facts about the ether element according to Ayurveda:

Signs of Deficiency:

• Insensitivity or apathy

• Poor vision

• Poor memory

• Lack of imagination

• Poor dream recall

• Spiritual cynicism

• Rigid belief systems

• Materialistic

Signs of Excess:

• Trouble holding onto water

• Inability to set boundaries

• Spiritual addictions

• Dissociation

• Nightmares

• Delusions

• Hallucinations

Note: If you are feeling an excess or deficiency the below practices will help with light imbalances. However, for severe imbalance, please contact me (info@ascendingspiritwp.com) to schedule an Ayurvedic consultation.

Ways to balance the ether element:

• Asanas for balancing ether: forward bends, downward facing dog, balancing poses, inversions, warrior III, and child's pose.

• Mudras for balancing ether: Anahata mudra (hands reversed clasped with released index, thumb and pinky fingers); and Shukatra mudra (clasp hands and overlap thumbs)

• Pranayamas: Brahmari (humming bee breath) and Utjayi

• Bija (seed sound) mantra: Aum - third eye & crown chakras

• Practice: silent meditation

• Sounds: crystal triangle and bowls tuned for the third eye and crown chakras

• Aromatherapy: frankincense and sandalwood