Yoga is very inspired by and connected to the elements of Nature: Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space.

The Earth Element in Yoga

This post will share 7 yoga poses that really help you connect with the Earth Element followed by a 25 Minute video that incorporates these poses (and more) into a full yoga flow that you can practice any time you want to relieve anxiety and feel more grounded.

Earth represents the solid state of matter.

The season most associated with the Earth element is Winter, but it’s good to keep in touch with all the elements year round.

The sense most associated with the Earth element is smell.

Earth element yoga poses focus on rooting down and grounding yourself. Grounding is great for anxiety and calming or cooling the body and mind.

Seven is my favorite/lucky number so here are 7 poses to connect you to the Earth Element.

1. Corpse Pose (Savasana)

The ultimate pose for rest, relaxation and grounding the back side of the body.

7 Yoga Poses for the Earth Element: Corpse Pose

2. Hero Pose Variation (Virasana) or Thunderbolt Pose (Vajrasana)

This variation is great for stimulating and stretching out the feet. Sit on your heels with your toes curled under. This can be intense if you’re not used to it, so you can bring your hands forward onto the mat to relieve some pressure on the feet.

The more awareness you have in your feet, the more grounded you will feel. Can provide some relieve from plantar fasciitis.

7 Yoga Poses for the Earth Element: Hero Pose Variation

3. Child’s Pose (Balasana)

This pose is particularly good for relieving stress and anxiety.

7 Yoga Poses for the Earth Element: Child’s Pose

This is considered another restful, relaxing pose (asana) but if the traditional posture doesn’t work for you, try these alternatives:

4. Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana)

Bring awareness to your feet and the ground beneath them as you fold forward towards the Earth. You can really feel the effects of gravity here and let your arms dangle or grab opposite elbows. Keep a micro-bend in the knees so they don’t lock out.

7 Yoga Poses for the Earth Element: Standing Forward Fold

5. Mountain Pose (Tadasana)

One of my favorites! Feel your feet connected to the Earth. You may move or sway a bit at first but with practice, you will feel more stable and grounded. Bring that awareness up the body and notice your breath, your heart rate and the energy moving throughout your body.

7 Yoga Poses for the Earth Element: Mountain Pose

6. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)

Another favorite of mine with a bit of a balance challenge. Imagine roots growing out from your supporting foot and grounding you to the Earth. Focus on a non-moving object (drishti) to help keep your gaze and your balance steady. Focusing on a physical posture helps you get out of your head and into your body.

7 Yoga Poses for the Earth Element: Tree Pose

Balance poses are some of the most challenging so you may want to practice next to a wall or tree. You can also use this video to improve your balance for tree pose.

7. Crocodile Pose or Laying Prone (Makarasana)

This is great for grounding the front side of the body. It can also help release some tension in the lower back and shoulders.

7 Yoga Poses for the Earth Element: Crocodile Pose

Earth is also associated with the first chakra: Muladhara or the Root Chakra. It is located in the base of the spine in the tailbone area. You can enhance the experience by focusing your breath and energy on this area during your practice.

You ARE the Earth Element!

99% of the human body is made up of Oxygen, Hydrogen, Carbon, Nitrogen, Calcium and Phosphorus; some of the most common elements that make up Earth.

Practicing yoga anywhere is great but practicing outdoors in Nature is even better! I recommend having one yoga mat that you use indoors, and one mat to use outdoors.

If you (or someone you know) needs more convincing, here are 108 health benefits of yoga, meditation and nature.

This gentle, 25-minute Earth Element Yoga Flow is great for beginners and yogis wanting to connect with the Earth element. We’ll flow through about 20 minutes of poses (asanas) followed by a short yoga nidra relaxation.

I include a little Earthing challenge to continue your yoga practice off the mat so stay tuned til the end for that!

Winter (Earth Element) Yoga Nidra

Unlike what we traditionally think of as yoga made up of physical poses (asanas), there is no movement during Yoga Nidra. You just lay down and listen to a teacher guide you through techniques that involve breathing, visualization and body scanning.

However, I do recommend doing a few gentle movements BEFORE you lay down. This will help your body and brain transition from your daily routine into the practice. It can also release/move around stagnant energy, release tension from muscles and joints and help blood, oxygen & energy circulate throughout your body.