Bring the elements together

Welcome to Bring the elements together. This is editorial guidance awaiting teacher review. Have a stable chair, a mat and suitable cushions nearby. Read the full series for supports and adaptations; use only comfortable, familiar transfers. These are original introductory practices inspired by the emphasis described here, not an official class, authorised syllabus or certification in this school. Study the full method with an appropriately trained teacher. Choose only movements and transfers that are comfortable and familiar. Stop for pain, dizziness or feeling unwell. The session will move on automatically, with quiet spaces for practice and rest. Pause whenever you need more time. Timed blocks include setup, short repetitions, side changes and rest; they are not continuous holds. Keep breathing naturally. English movement names will be spoken. Sanskrit names remain on screen.

Movement 1 of 9. Comfortable meditation seat. Arrange your supports and choose a comfortable starting position before beginning. Breath cue. Let breathing remain natural. Sit on a cushion or chair. Choose eyes open or closed. Notice one ordinary breath at a time; when attention wanders, return gently. Shift or stop if uncomfortable. Another option. Sit with back support or rest on your side; meditation need not require sitting on the floor. Use the quiet space for familiar practice or rest. You do not need to keep holding a position until the next cue.

Movement 2 of 9. Cat, cow. Release the previous position. Pause in a comfortable neutral position and arrange any support before continuing. Breath cue. Inhale into a small chest opening; exhale to round. On hands and knees, put hands below shoulders and knees below hips. Alternate a small chest opening with gentle rounding for 4 to 6 cycles. Rest in neutral. Keep the neck easy. Another option. Sit in a chair, hands on thighs, and use a smaller spinal movement. Use the quiet space for familiar practice or rest. You do not need to keep holding a position until the next cue.

Movement 3 of 9. Mountain. Come to a comfortable seat, then use stable support to rise slowly. Pause before standing; omit a transfer that does not suit you. Breath cue. Natural, comfortable breathing. Stand feet comfortably apart, knees unlocked, arms by the sides. Take 3 to 5 breaths; add small weight shifts and return to stillness. Another option. Use a wall or sit upright with feet supported. Use the quiet space for familiar practice or rest. You do not need to keep holding a position until the next cue.

Movement 4 of 9. Warrior II. Release the previous position. Pause in a comfortable neutral position and arrange any support before continuing. Breath cue. Exhale to bend the front knee; breathe freely. Take a comfortable wide stance. Turn the front foot out, bend its knee in the direction of the toes, keep back leg long and extend arms. Stay 3 breaths, straighten and rest. Change sides before repeating. Another option. Shorten the stance, bend less and keep hands on hips or support. Complete both sides, returning to neutral between them. Keep to the short repetitions or stays described and rest between efforts. Use the quiet space for familiar practice or rest. You do not need to keep holding a position until the next cue.

After about 2:00 in this block, once earlier guidance has finished:

If you have not already changed sides, return to neutral, take a rest and then practise the other side. If you have finished both sides, use this time to rest.

Movement 5 of 9. Supported standing hip hinge. Release the previous position. Pause in a comfortable neutral position and arrange any support before continuing. Breath cue. Exhale to hinge; inhale to return. Place palms against a stable wall, soften the knees and step back into a small hip hinge. Stay for 2 to 3 breaths, then step in and rise slowly. Repeat after a standing pause. Another option. Use a higher hand position and much less depth. Use the quiet space for familiar practice or rest. You do not need to keep holding a position until the next cue.

Movement 6 of 9. Low cobra. Use stable support and a floor transfer you already know. Pause in a comfortable seat before arranging the next position; use the seated alternative if needed. Breath cue. Inhale to lift slightly; exhale to lower. Lie on the front, hands by the ribs, elbows bent. Keep pelvis and thighs grounded. Lift the chest a little without pushing hard through the hands. Lower, rest and repeat 3 to 4 times. Another option. Remain resting on the front, or sit and gently broaden the chest. Use the quiet space for familiar practice or rest. You do not need to keep holding a position until the next cue.

Movement 7 of 9. Low bridge. Release the previous position, come to a comfortable seat using your hands, then lower through one side to arrange yourself on your back. Take your time. Breath cue. Inhale to lift a little; exhale to lower. Lie on the back, knees bent and feet flat. Lift the pelvis modestly with head and shoulders grounded, then lower slowly. Repeat 4 times with pauses. Do not turn the head while lifted. Another option. Keep the pelvis grounded and make a small pelvic tilt; not the neck-loaded Ashtanga bridge. Use the quiet space for familiar practice or rest. You do not need to keep holding a position until the next cue.

Movement 8 of 9. Supported reclining twist. Release the previous position. Pause in a comfortable neutral position and arrange any support before continuing. Breath cue. Exhale into a small movement; breathe freely. Lie on the back with knees bent. Let knees move together onto cushions to one side. Keep shoulders comfortable and head neutral. Stay 3 to 5 breaths; return to centre before changing sides. Another option. Make a tiny knee sway instead; do not force knees towards the floor. Complete both sides, returning to neutral between them. Keep to the short repetitions or stays described and rest between efforts. Use the quiet space for familiar practice or rest. You do not need to keep holding a position until the next cue.

After about 2:00 in this block, once earlier guidance has finished:

If you have not already changed sides, return to neutral, take a rest and then practise the other side. If you have finished both sides, use this time to rest.

Movement 9 of 9. Final rest. Release the previous position. Pause in a comfortable neutral position and arrange any support before continuing. Breath cue. Let the breath settle naturally. Rest with legs comfortable, arms away from the body and support under knees if wanted. Another option. Rest on your side or in a supported chair. Eyes may stay open. Use the quiet space for familiar practice or rest. You do not need to keep holding a position until the next cue.

After about 5:00 in this block, once earlier guidance has finished:

Take your time to finish this rest. When ready, move fingers and toes, roll to a side, pause, then use hands to sit up slowly.

This session is complete. Remain comfortably supported for a moment and let your breathing settle. There is no need to stand up quickly. Notice the room around you. You can record your practice in My Ananda, or simply finish here. Return to a familiar session whenever it suits you.