Akasha – Space Element
Akasha: Finding Space Within
Creating room for stillness, clarity and possibility through yoga.
The fifth element in the Pancha Maha Bhutas is Akasha, is often translated as space or ether. It represents the vastness in which everything exists — the silence between sounds, the pause between breaths and the stillness beneath our busy thoughts.
In a world that constantly asks us to do more, Akasha invites us to pause and consider: what might happen if we allowed ourselves a little more space?
Finding Space Through Yoga
In our yoga practice, we explore space through gentle movement, mindful breathing and releasing unnecessary tension. We lengthen the spine, soften the shoulders and create room for the breath to flow freely.
Creating space isn’t about stretching further or achieving more. Sometimes, it simply means unclenching the jaw, relaxing the body or allowing ourselves to be exactly as we are.
We might ask ourselves:
Where am I holding on? Where could I soften?
Our breath offers a beautiful way to experience Akasha. Notice the subtle spaces between each breath. Allow your thoughts to come and go, gently returning your attention to the present moment. There is nothing to achieve and nowhere else you need to be.
Just as our bodies can hold tension, our minds can become crowded with worries, expectations and self-criticism. When we allow ourselves to pause, we create room to recognise what we truly need — perhaps rest instead of productivity, kindness instead of criticism, or simply permission to be. Like clouds moving across an open sky, our thoughts and feelings come and go. We don’t need to chase them or hold on to them; we can simply allow them to pass, creating space in the mind and in the heart.
In yogic philosophy, sound is traditionally associated with Akasha. During a sound journey, the resonant tones of singing bowls and gongs invite us to listen, relax and become aware of the changing qualities of sound.
Notice how each sound emerges, vibrates and gradually fades into silence. The pauses between the sounds can be just as meaningful as the sounds themselves, offering an opportunity to rest and simply receive.
We can embrace the element of space beyond our yoga practice by:
- Taking a conscious breath between tasks.
- Making time for silence and switching off distractions.
- Leaving a little unscheduled time in our day.
- Listening to others without rushing to respond.
- Giving ourselves permission to rest without feeling we must achieve something.
Small moments of spaciousness can help us reconnect with ourselves and approach life with greater awareness.
The space to breathe.
The space to feel.
The space to listen.
The space to begin again.
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