This is the last in our series on the five elements of nature. We have already discussed air, earth, water and fire. Now let's turn attention to Space. (Note: Sometimes called Space and sometimes called Ether, throughout this article, I may use the terms interchangeably.)

Space or Ether Element

Space or ether is described as the existence of vibrations of the spaces within the human body (Robertson, n.d.). Anodea Judith (1999), describes ether as the element that represents a "world of vibrations."

The space element is the most diaphanous of the five elements. Unlike the other 4 elements which we experience in our physical world, the ether/space element is hard to grasp physically or take in with our own eyes. That is, no physically reliable substance exists that we can rely on to visually observe this element. We can't really grab space with our hands. And so, we turn to the relationships between physical things that make space. The connection between organs of the body where space exists producing vibration.

This obstacle makes it harder for our brains to process ether and identify ether. However, we can observe what ether/space produces by identifying physical things around the spaces and experiencing the relationship of these things across the space via vibration.

That is, anywhere in the body (or the universe) where there is space, such as the windpipe, the lungs, the sinuses and more vibration is there to move across space. Anywhere there is space or room within the body is the space/ether element. (Newlin, n.d.)

The Space Element and Sound

According to chakra master Anodea Judith (1999), the ether element manifests itself via the vibration found in all living things. These vibrations are what generates the chakras (energy centers) within the body. The throat chakra is the one that aligns closest with the space element.

The vibrations in the body are also found in the universe. The vibrating frequency levels found universally are also found within the human body. It is the ether element that embodies vibration of all things animate and inanimate (Judith, 1999).

These vibrations within the body are caused by the movement of energy. The energy is bouncing back and forth between internal organs and thus attuned to vibrational frequencies.

Our bodies and all of our organs can resonate at certain vibrational frequencies. When the frequencies are out of whack it is possible to experience moodiness, anxiety, stress and physical illnesses.

Steps that can be taken to retune our bodies include connecting to nature by going on a hike, sunbathing at the beach, or picnicking outdoors. Go somewhere where you can integrate the vibrations of nature into your personal sphere. You may want to do something creative instead like dancing, crafting, or experiencing a sound bath. All of these activities are just a few of the ways to connect with the space element via vibration.

With a sound bath specific frequencies can be used to evoke different levels of being. A sound bath can address many of the various frequencies found within the body and nature.

Resources & Further Readings

Judith, A. (1999). Wheels of Life (Llewellyn's New Age Series). Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.. Kindle Edition.

Newlin, J. (n.d.) Journey through the five elements: Ether. Ekhart Yoga.

Roberston, J. (n.d.) The ether/space element. Desert Yoga Therapy.

Sound Bath on Retreat

Now that we know that it is vibration that manifests in the space element, let's apply the conversation to an experience. Specifically, my experience during the retreat that I attended last month.

We were gifted with an amazing one hour sound bath. The sound bath uses specially tuned crystal bowls and other items that ring and ding. They all produce vibration on different frequency levels that match the frequencies in the subtle body, the pranamaya kosha (the kosha (layer) after the physical body).

Jim Red Sky, Shamanic Sound Therapist, gave us the most amazing sound bath. Generally, a sound bath is done indoors, where you lay on your back or sit in a chair. If you are on the floor you experience the vibration a lot more intensely. So you may want to be seated if it is your first time.

The session lasted for about one hour and I finished bathed in the glow of vibrations. Here is an example of one of Jim's sound baths. It isn't the same as being in the room with the sound therapist/producer, but you may still feel some of the vibrations emanating from your device.

A sound bath can be quite an intense experience. This was my first exposure to a complete one hour sound bath, but I was very glad that I had experienced previously some of the bells and crystals used in Jim's repertoire. That made it easier for me to transition into the world of sound and vibration.

The experience was cleansing, indeed, and I believe that I am continuing to experience the discharge of negative stuff just based on that sound bath. And yet, with any activity that opens up your subtle body, things can end up quite the opposite for you.

Two of my retreat mates, found the sound bath disturbing and unbalancing. In other words, a sound bath can be unnerving the first time you hear the frequencies from the crystal bowls. For anyone who has not experienced a crystal bowl or a sound bath, I'd recommend going easy your first time to gauge your personal reaction. The video example, would be one way to acclimate yourself before taking a full on, in-person sound bath. And yet, you may very well find the benefits the first time you experience a sound bath.

I am convinced that this one sound bath experience that I had was very cleansing emotionally. I felt the effects for more than a week after. The release continues to feel very good.

The Gift of Yoga

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