(Part 3 of 6 in the Master Element Series)

 Introduction: Why We’re Talking About the Elements

You are made up of the same stuff as the universe. And that's not just something poetic to say in class...

It's true!

Ancient wisdom teaches us that the five mahābhūtas (great elements) of Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space are present in everything in the natural world, including us.

Understanding these elements and how they affect our health, mood, and energy can help us take control of our wellbeing and learn how to stay in balance...

Before dis-ease arrives.

If you're new here, you might want to check out the first post in this series, giving a more detailed overview, or perhaps the Earth element, where we explored what it means to feel grounded, safe, and steady.

Today, we're diving into the second element: Water (in Sanskrit: Jala).

What Is the Water Element?

Water is the element of flow, emotion, pleasure, and adaptability.

It's found in all the fluids in your body - blood, lymph, saliva, tears - and governs connection, movement, and change. It’s what helps us to feel our emotions and be flexible / adaptable. As in... 

Going with the flow! 

In Ayurveda, Water combines with Earth to form the Kapha dosha, and with Fire to contribute to Pitta.

Water is deeply feminine in its nature - the yin to fire element's yang. It's sensual, nurturing, and adaptable. It is also emotional expression. It also governs our ability to let go, grieve, cry, and process life’s changes with ease and grace. But water is also super powerful. Like a crashing wave, it can be ferocious when it needs to be... just like us women warriors!

Water is associated with the sacral chakra (Svādhiṣṭhāna) which is located just below the navel and is connected to creativity, intimacy, and pleasure.

Think moonlit tides, warm baths, and the feeling of soft rain on your skin…

This element invites you to FEEL. To allow, and to GO WITH THE FLOW

Signs the Water Element Is Balanced

• You feel emotionally connected but not overwhelmed

• You’re able to flow with change and let go of control

• You can access creativity, pleasure, and intimacy with ease

• You feel hydrated, juicy, and well-lubricated (joints, skin, digestion)

• You’re comfortable expressing your feelings honestly

Signs the Water Element Is Out of Balance

When Water is excessive:

• You may feel emotional overwhelm, clinginess, or codependency

• You feel stuck in old emotions or stories

• You might retain water, feel bloated, or experience sluggish digestion

• You have mucus build-up, congestion, or puffiness

• There's resistance to structure or being overly “go-with-the-flow”

When Water is depleted:

• You feel dry - physically and emotionally

• It’s hard to cry or express how you feel

• You might feel cut off from pleasure or sexual energy

• Creative blocks, isolation, or lack of connection

• Digestive dryness (constipation, dry skin, dry eyes)

Water Element Mudrā + Bīja Mantra

Mudrā: Varuna Mudrā

This mudrā supports hydration and emotional flow, balancing the water element within the body and mind.

Instructions

• Sit comfortably.

• Gently touch the tip of your little finger to the tip of your thumb, keeping the other fingers relaxed, and long if you can.

• Rest the backs of the hands on the knees or lap, palms facing upward.

• Breathe deeply and soften your awareness into the lower belly or pelvis.

• Practice 5–15 minutes, especially during emotional release or when feeling dry/stuck.

Seed Sound (Bīja mantra): Vam (वं)

Chanting Vam resonates with the sacral chakra (Svādhiṣṭhāna), your emotional and creative energy center.

Try repeating this mantra aloud, or whisper it gently in rhythm with your breath. You might also try it while in a hip-opening pose or lying in Savasana.

Ways to Balance the Water Element

Here are a few nurturing and supportive ways to connect to your inner waters and cultivate emotional flow:

1. Yoga postures: Hips, Pelvis, and Fluidity

Focus on hip-opening, flowing sequences and movements that feel sensual, creative and intuitive.

• Postures like Baddha Konasana, Apanasana, Anjaneyasana, Supta Matsyendrasana

• Practice slow cat-cow, gentle hip circles, or a freeform intuitive flow

• Think soft, wavy, and rhythmic rather than strong or structured

2. Pranayama: Ocean Breath

• Ujjayi breath is often taught in yoga classes as a way to bring more heat and strength into the body, but it can also be used to cultivate a state of relaxation. Max Strom - teacher, speaker and author of A Life Worth Breathing calls this type of breath ‘ocean breath’ as it sounds a little like waves on the sea. Ujjayi breath can help to stimulate the vagus nerve, linking the brain and the gut, and also serving as a key component in relaxing the nervous system. Whilst practicing this breath, visualise waves gently lapping against the shore. (From Yoga easy - Emma Newlyn)

3. Nourish your inner waters

• Drink plenty of warm water and herbal teas

• Eat juicy, hydrating foods: melon, cucumber, stewed fruit

• Avoid overly dry, spicy, or processed food

• Bring in sensual pleasure - massage, hot baths, soft fabrics

4. Emotional expression + journaling

Water governs emotion, so let it move. Cry, sing, dance, create.

Journaling prompts:

• What am I feeling that I haven't fully allowed myself to express?

• Where in my life am I resisting change?

• What brings me pleasure? And how often do I allow myself to feel it?

5. Affirmations for the Water Element

• I allow myself to feel fully and flow freely

• I trust the wisdom of my emotions

• I let go with grace. And surrender to the flow of life

• Pleasure and creativity flow through me with ease

Final Thoughts

The Water element reminds us that there is strength in softness, wisdom in emotion, and power in allowing ourselves to flow. 

It’s okay to feel. It’s okay to change.
It’s okay to cry, let go and start again. 

And ya'll know how much i love a new beginning!!

Anytime you're feeling stuck, emotionally overwhelmed, or life feels like it's stagnated,  try working with this element - move gently, breathe deeply, and bring your awareness to the hips and sacral space.

Let the practice be one of release and renewal.

Want to explore this in your practice? There are various classes in the online studio to help you harness the power of water and flow. There's live classes and online community support too! 

CHECK IT OUT HERE!

Next week, we’ll be exploring the FIRE element (Agni) - the spark of transformation and energy. 🔥

Other posts in this series

Five Master Elements Overview

Earth Element 

Water Element

Fire Element

Air Element - Coming Soon

Ether Element - Coming Soon