Flow with the Water Element: 3 Practices to Connect with Your Sacral Chakra

Ocean image captured on Cliff Walk in Newport, RI

Today was the second of my 4-part series exploring the elements of nature—Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. We focused on the water element today, and did a very flowy yoga sequence followed by some watery sounds during the sound bath. As an added touch during our session, I used tangerine essential oil on participants' palms during savasana (if participants were open to it). Tangerine oil is uplifting and soothing, which perfectly complements the flowy, calming nature of the water element, encouraging emotional balance and creativity.

The Water Element (also associated with our sacral chakra, located below our navel) reminds us to embrace the flow of life, adapt to change and honor our emotions and creative desires. It encourages us to release resistance, tap into our passions and be open to the fluidity of both our inner and outer worlds.

Here are three practices to help you connect with the water element:

1. Movement or Shaking: Literally Shaking Out the Energy

One powerful way to activate the water element is through movement—specifically, shaking. The gentle act of shaking out your body helps to release stagnant energy and reconnect with the natural fluidity of water. Begin by standing tall and letting your body relax. Then, start shaking your limbs—especially your hands and feet. Shake them out vigorously, imagining you are releasing any emotional blockages or tension from your body. You can even move into a full-body shake, allowing your torso and hips to follow the movement.

The focus here is on letting go and allowing your body to feel free. It’s a simple but effective way to reconnect with your sacral chakra, releasing old patterns and allowing fresh energy to flow through you.

2. Water Immersion: Connect with Water’s Flow

Water is the essence of your sacral chakra, and immersing yourself in water can be a deeply healing experience. Whether you take a long, relaxing bath, dive into a swimming pool, or simply splash water on your face, immersing yourself in water helps you attune to the flow of the sacral chakra.

Try to be mindful of the sensation of water as it moves across your skin. Feel the liquid as it flows and envelops you, letting it wash away any tension or stress. If you're in a bath, you might add some essential oils, like ylang-ylang or orange, to enhance the experience and activate your emotional center. Swimming, especially in natural bodies of water like lakes or oceans, can be especially grounding for the sacral chakra, as the natural rhythm of the water mimics the flow of your own energy.

3. Doodling or Drawing: Express Your Creativity Freely

The sacral chakra is all about creativity and self-expression, so engaging in freeform doodling or drawing is a great way to connect with its energy. You don’t need to be an artist—just grab a pen, pencil, or markers, and start drawing shapes, patterns, or abstract images without worrying about the outcome. Let your hand flow freely across the page, allowing whatever wants to emerge to take shape.

This act of creation taps directly into the sacral chakra’s energy. Doodling and drawing can unlock hidden emotions and creative ideas, helping you express your feelings in a light, playful way. By allowing yourself to create without pressure or judgment, you tap into the free-flowing energy of water, helping release creative blockages and rejuvenating your inner spark.

By incorporating movement, water immersion, and creative expression into your daily routine, you can nurture your sacral chakra and reconnect with the fluid, adaptive energy of the water element. These simple practices help to clear energetic blocks, encourage emotional flow, and inspire creative brilliance. The water element invites you to move with ease and grace—so flow with it, and let your sacral chakra guide you to greater creativity, connection and joy.