Vāstu & Sukha | The Yoga of Space

At some level, we all feel the influence that space can have on our mind and body. When we walk into a sacred place that resonates with us, or a place that is simply grand and full of life, our senses come alive, and we feel like we could stay forever. Of course, the opposite can be true as well. This is the power of space.

The Vedas (ancient Hindu scriptures of sacred knowledge) tell us that space is intimately entwined with the movement of life force (prana in Sanskrit). In this way, it is very closely connected with both Yoga and Ayurveda. What is happening in the space around you will influence what is happening with the prana inside you as well. Vāstu Vidya is the Vedic philosophy of working with space to achieve Sukha (happiness, good space), sometimes referred to as the Yoga of Space. It relates to the space outside, in dwellings, and the space within each of us. Through careful consideration of and respect for the spaces that we inhabit and the places we choose to spend time in, we will discover a new level of influence on the life force within us, to encourage flow, stability, and healing. Good space naturally and easily brings harmony and contentment.

While the Vedas provide us with a complex and complete science for working with space; at its core, there are three concepts foundational to vāstu that can be easily implemented in the spaces that we inhabit:

• Flow and circulation of attention lead the flow and circulation of prana.
• For prana to circulate, it must have adequate space.
• We all have an innate ability to sense balance, imbalance and the flow of prana within a space

Sensing Space:

As in yoga practice and meditation, controlling the flow of prana often begins with awareness of our breath. Develop a relationship with how spaces influence your breathing. While a cluttered space will likely hasten breathing, a harmonious space will encourage calm and relaxed breathing. You can also begin by doing a little house cleaning to attune your awareness to your dwelling space. What draws your attention within a room? Are there pieces of art, colors, or natural elements such as flowers, that attract your mind and bring warm and pleasant feelings? Is there a space in your home where you can retreat, and feel rejuvenated?

Is there enough space in your home or office to allow for movement and a feeling of safety? Are there places with clutter or sharp objects that impede your sense of security or just suddenly bring a blocked feeling? Are objects up against walls and each other or do they have space to allow for circulation of air (and prana)? What can you imagine that might bring life to your space? Luminosity? Color? Art? Natural elements (plants, stone, metal, water, air)? Texture? A sacred object or more or less space? Each person benefits from design elements differently, but generally, we all benefit from a balanced presence of natural elements to stimulate our awareness and to fill the mind with positive natural impressions that calm and soothe the thinking mind.

In addition to bringing some love and attention into your dwelling spaces, consider making time to visit places that you know provide you with a sense of harmony and peace. These spaces can be our teachers and our refuge. Perhaps a visit to the botanical gardens, a temple, a beautiful hotel, or a museum. Think of the places that bring you this sense of beauty and peace and make space for them in your life.