Ashtanga yoga and the Earth element : The start of an Iconic Year

The grounding energy of the Earth element calls us to pause, reflect, and lay down solid foundations for the new year ahead. In yoga, the Earth element represents stability, security, and sustenance for growth. Living by the elements and having these shorter focused “seasonal sprints” during the year has been a game-changer for me. Instead of looking out at the overwhelming year ahead, working in terms has made it all feel more manageable and productive, and I’ve found myself with far more focus to dedicate to what truly matters.

Every year, my sisters and I choose a word of the year to guide us, and it always leads to some hilarious moments when our parents join in with their unique suggestions. This year, my word is “Iconic.” What started as a joke has evolved into a playful yet meaningful guide for how I want to approach 2025—with boldness and meaning. I’m curious to see how this word will inspire me to create a meaningful year.

Drawing inspiration from this energy, I’m dedicating 2025 to setting the groundwork for my best year yet. Here’s how I’m weaving the principles of the Earth element into my life and yoga practice to simplify, focus on what truly matters, and deepen my foundation for health and happiness.

Simplifying: Creating Space for Growth

In yoga, simplicity is key. We begin with the basics—learning to breathe, grounding through our feet, and connecting with our heart. This year, I’m channeling this wisdom off the mat by simplifying my life.

• Clearing clutter: I don’t hold onto a lot of stuff generally but things often creep in when life gets busy. Whether it’s my workspace, my home, or my schedule, I’m creating physical and mental space to breathe more freely.I am also being really diligent with every single thing I buy this year.
• Streamlining commitments: having good boundaries, timeblocking and getting the support I need to do all the things I am aiming to achieve this year. I want to make room for the people and activities that align with my values.
• Focusing inward: using my yoga practice as always  (whether it’s dynamic or sitting in contemplation) to stay connected to myself so that I can stay true to myself, gather my energy and collect my thoughts.

If you’re curious about how simplicity ties into the Earth element, check out last years blog post, Earth: Calm, Grounded, Steady, where I explore how a steady practice can help us feel more grounded and present.

Focusing on Big Rocks First

In yoga, alignment is everything. Similarly, in life, focusing on what matters most keeps us aligned with our purpose. This year, I’m prioritising my “Big Rocks”—the foundational aspects that truly nourish my soul:

1. Travel: Exploring new places and revisiting favorite destinations enriches my life with perspective and inspiration.
2. Health: Maintaining vitality through regular movement, nourishing food, and intentional rest.
3. Connection: Spending meaningful time with friends and family, away from screens and distractions, to nurture relationships that ground and uplift me.
4. Reading

By identifying these priorities early, I’m building my schedule around what matters most, leaving the pebbles and sand to fill the gaps. Reflecting on this reminds me of my past post, I Feel Grounded, Happy, and Healthy: Earth Reflection, where I shared how grounding practices foster happiness and holistic well-being.

Working on the Basics of Health

The Earth element reminds us to honor our physical bodies—our first and most important foundation. This year, I’m committing to the basics:

• Routine health checks: Scheduling appointments with my dentist, dermatologist, and other wellness practitioners ensures I’m caring for my body.
• Sauna and soaks: These rituals help me detox, relax, and ground myself.
• Prioritising sleep: A well-rested body is essential for a clear mind and a steady practice.
• Reducing screen time: Less time online means more time to be present, engage with loved ones, and embrace the here and now.
• Walking

Bringing the Earth Element to Your Practice

If you’re feeling inspired to align with the Earth element, here are a few ways to incorporate it into your yoga practice:

1. Grounding poses: Focus on standing poses like Warrior I, II, and III, or seated poses like Sukhasana (Easy Pose) to root yourself to the earth.
2. Connect with nature: Practice outside or simply take a mindful walk, feeling the ground beneath your feet.
3. Savor stillness: Spend extra time in Savasana, allowing yourself to fully relax and connect with the stability and support of the earth.

Let’s Build Together

The Earth element invites us to create stability, simplify, and nurture what truly matters. As I embark on this journey to make 2025 my best year yet, I’d love to hear from you: What are your “Big Rocks” this year? How are you simplifying and grounding yourself? Let’s connect and grow together.

For more inspiration on working with the elements, check out my previous blog posts on Earth: Calm, Grounded, Steady and I Feel Grounded, Happy, and Healthy: Earth Reflection. Here’s to a year of rooted growth and abundant joy!