Alright, listen up. We’re rounding out this month’s theme of generosity by getting into the stuff that often gets labelled “woo-woo” or too out-there – symbols in yoga. I know, I know. You hear “moon, sun, fire,” and maybe roll your eyes or think, “Here we go…” But hang tight. These symbols aren’t just random mystical fluff; they’re powerful reminders that help us move through life with fewer limits, fewer fears, and more connection.
This week, we’re tackling how these elements can guide us past the mental roadblocks we all have – that voice in your head that says, “Not good enough,” “Hold back,” or “Play it safe.” When you learn to work with these forces, you open up a whole new level of energy and a freedom to live (and give) in a way that’s genuinely limitless.
So are you up for a talk about what some of these symbols really mean, and how they can help you shake off the chains of self-doubt and limiting beliefs, so you can step into a version of yourself that’s just more you. Ready? Let’s go.
The Moon: Embracing Your Emotions, Letting the Flow In
The moon in yoga represents your mind and emotions – that reflective, more receptive part of you. It’s also associated with the feminine, the soft, and the subtle. In traditional yoga, we use Chandra Namaskar, or Moon Salutation, to connect to this part of ourselves. Think of it as a big “permission slip” to actually feel what you’re feeling without judgment. And you know what? When you tap into this, you start to release stored tension and emotion that’s been blocking you.
Imagine the freedom that comes with not bottling things up all the time. When you’re practicing a Moon Salutation, you’re moving slowly, breathing deeply, and letting your body release those feelings that have been clogging up the works. You start to create space in your life for real, honest generosity – where you give and receive authentically because there’s no backlog of repressed emotion to get in the way.
The Sun: Lighting Up Your Confidence and Clearing Self-Doubt
The sun in yoga is the opposite force – it represents illumination, energy, and that masculine drive that pushes you forward. When we’re talking about the sun, we’re talking about that active, fiery energy that’s confident and ready to go. And let me tell you, when you’ve got a bit of that energy on your side, it feels damn good.
Through Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), you’re doing more than just stretching and flowing. You’re building strength, resilience, and confidence – the kind that lets you step out there and be seen, even if you don’t feel completely “ready.” Practicing this is like gathering up the courage to let people see you as you are, to contribute without fear of what people might think.
And of course, we’ve got to talk about the breath. Pranayama, or breath control, is the yoga toolkit for busting through mental fog and stagnant energy. Techniques like Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath) can do wonders for cutting through self-doubt and bringing a sharp, clear focus to your mind. I’m talking about using the breath as a tool to literally shift your energy and tap into your power. Trust me, when your mind’s clear, it’s easier to give freely, to love fully, and to show up without holding back.
Fire: Burn Away the Limits You Put on Yourself
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. Fire, in yoga, is the element of transformation. It’s about burning away impurities – and yes, that includes those old, crusty limiting beliefs we drag around with us. When we work with fire, we’re using the heat to get rid of the Why You Might Want to Befriend the Woo! muck that stops us from stepping up, giving freely, and connecting deeply with others.
If you’re ready to dive a little deeper, Kundalini practices can help you access this fiery energy. Kundalini, sometimes called the “serpent energy,” lies dormant at the base of your spine. Through practices like chanting, visualisation, and breathwork, we encourage this energy to rise up, breaking through each layer of resistance and self-doubt. It’s like peeling back the layers of an onion, and at the core, you’ll find a version of you that’s free, clear, and open to giving without limits.
Ever tried chanting a mantra? It’s not just about the sound; it’s about sending a message to that deeper part of you. You’re saying, “I’m done with the limitations I put on myself. I’m ready to give and live with a full heart.” When you chant, visualise yourself breaking through whatever blocks you’ve got – those self-imposed boundaries that keep you from your fullest potential.
Putting It All Together: Generosity as a Full-Body Practice
So, here’s the deal: yoga gives us these tools – moon, sun, and fire – to work through our limiting beliefs, not because it’s some mystical hocus-pocus, but because these symbols help us understand ourselves. They remind us that we’re more than the sum of our doubts and fears.
When you tap into the moon, you’re giving yourself permission to feel. When you connect with the sun, you’re fueling up your confidence to shine without fear. And when you embrace the fire, you’re burning through the mental and emotional blocks that keep you from being fully you.
The result? A spirit that’s naturally generous. An ability to give without holding back, and to show up in the world with all your gifts, no strings attached.
Love Josie X
