Tapping into creativity, adaptability, and a new way forward with the Water Element

Lately I’ve been feeling something shifting—subtle, but definitely there. A low hum of restlessness. On the surface, everything looks fine. Life is full, work is meaningful, family is good. But underneath? There’s a quiet nudge. A sense that I need to try something differently. That the same old approach isn’t quite landing.

And that’s exactly where Water comes in.

Water Invites Us to Be Creative

In yoga philosophy, the **Water element—Apas—**is linked to movement, emotion, and creativity. It’s the element of fluidity and flow. Not just physically, but mentally and energetically. It teaches us to soften our grip, to stay open, and to try new ways when the old ones stop working.

Water doesn’t bulldoze—it explores.
It doesn’t give up—it adapts.
It finds new pathways. It moves with intelligence.

Our Element Program: A Creative Approach to Ashtanga Yoga Townsville

At Live and Breathe Yoga Townsville, our Elemental Term Program is a creative reimagining of the Ashtanga Yoga series—one that supports all students to go deeper, step-by-step, without getting overwhelmed.

Each term, we focus on a different element and its energetic and physical qualities. This term, we enter Water—which means:

• A focus on the hips and pelvis (a key gateway in the Ashtanga practice)
• Creative sequencing and accessible variations to support mobility and emotional awareness
• Practices that explore non-reactivity, adaptability, and inner steadiness

Instead of struggling through the full Primary Series every time you step on the mat, we take it one element at a time—so you can build strength, skill, and confidence with clarity and support.

It’s not a shortcut. It’s a clever, more compassionate way in.

Resourcing not Reacting

To be honest, I’ve felt the unsettled energy of this season building for a while. My go-to response is often to try harder, do more, push through. But that’s not what’s needed right now. Oe of my teachers once said when in doubt, do less.

So I’ve been asking myself:
What would happen if I tried differently—doing less but better?

Here’s what’s helping:

• More walking (without multitasking)
• More protein to steady my body and energy
• More sleep—because tiredness amplifies everything
• Journaling with intention: writing what I can control, not what I fear

This is Water at work. Not giving up—but choosing a wiser, more sustainable way forward.

Why the Hips, Emotions & Water Go Hand-in-Hand

In yogic anatomy, the Water element relates to the second chakra (Swadhisthana)—the seat of our creativity, emotional processing, and ability to feel pleasure and connection. It governs the hips, pelvis, and reproductive organs—areas that are often tight, tense, or neglected.

By exploring this area with gentleness, curiosity, and creativity, we unlock not just mobility—but emotional resilience, and deeper self-trust.

You’ll feel this in every class this term.

This Term Is for You If…

• You’re feeling a bit stuck or emotionally off
• You’re craving something new, but grounded
• You want to approach your yoga practice with more flow and less force
• You’ve struggled with the full Ashtanga sequence and want a smarter, more supportive path

Whether you’re new to the series or returning after time away, this is your chance to explore Ashtanga in a way that works with you—not against you.

Looking for a Bigger Reset? Yoga Retreat North Queensland

If you want to fully immerse in the teachings of Water—emotionally, physically, and spiritually—our yoga retreat in North Queensland offers the perfect reset.

With:

• Daily yoga + meditation practice
• Time in nature and water (literally!)
• Nourishing food to infuse every cell with wholesome goodness
• A safe, sacred container to soften, restore, and begin again

This isn’t about escape. It’s about remembering how to come home to yourself.

Let Water Guide the Way

This term isn’t about giving up on your goals.
It’s about approaching them with intelligence, compassion, and creativity.

Let’s explore what happens when we stop pushing and start flowing.
When we soften around the edges.
When we learn to trust that the stillness beneath the surface is actually full of potential.

Join us for the Water term at Live and Breathe Yoga.
Let’s move differently. Let’s move wisely. Let’s move together.

Allison