In a world filled with distractions, reclaiming your calm requires a conscious effort to anchor your awareness. This three-step yoga practice serves as that anchor, using the elements of Earth, Water, and Space as focal points to draw your attention back to the present moment and ground you in a state of tranquility.
Step one: Anchor in the Earth with Balasana (Child’s Pose). When your mind is scattered, bring it back to the physical. In Child’s Pose, focus intently on the points of contact with the floor. Notice the texture of your mat, the temperature of the air, the sensation of your breath in your body. This sensory focus anchors your awareness in the now, preventing it from drifting into anxiety.
Step two: Anchor in Flow with Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall). Shift your awareness to the subtle sensations of flow within your body. You might feel a tingling in your feet or a sense of coolness moving through your legs. This focus on internal movement—the Water element—provides a gentle, rhythmic sensation for your mind to rest upon, much like watching the gentle waves of the ocean.
Step three: Anchor in Stillness with Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend). Finally, anchor your awareness in the vast, quiet space within. As you hold this forward bend, become an observer of your inner world. Notice the brief pauses between breaths and the silent gaps between thoughts. This is the element of Space, and resting your attention here is a powerful way to reclaim your calm.