For those you missed my workshop course this week with Inner Tide…(please comment or message if you would like the recorded link to the class)
Like ebbs and flows of the ocean, have you ever noticed that there are patterns in the environment? That nothing just happens…it's all connected through an intricate web of similarities. Like sacred geometry mimicking each other. Internet wires act the same as mycelium webs; brains look like walnuts, fractals of mountains, rivers and forests branch and fork together; or spirals permeating diverse formations of DNA double helixes, sunflowers, ancient emblems and weather patterns.
Similar to these phenomena, have you ever noticed that so much of nature follows patterns of four?
Think about it:
4 seasons
4 fundamental forces of nature
4 phases of a menstrual cycle
4 cardinal directions
4 orders of nature
4 elements
4 animals on the Medicine Wheel
4 Beatles
4 leaf clover
4 nucleotides
4 quadrants
4 physical states
4 dimensions
And, the one we will focus on in this article…the four elements. Water. Earth. Fire. Air. (Technically, some feel that Space/Ether should be added as a fifth element, which connects, transcends and ignites the spirit, but I feel it belongs elsewhere.)
The Four Elements
The four elements were created by being alchemized and held together or pushed apart by the cosmic forces of polarity. They make up all matter on this planet, therefore they are changeable. Every visible thing is made of some combination of water, earth, fire and air - that includes humans. In fact, elements are sometimes referred to as temperments, which represent the different strengths and weaknesses of human nature. I believe that a very important aspect of health I believe is connecting to the four elements.
Why we should connect to the elements
When you connect to the elements of the planet, you become deeply present and balance your own energy. Each element has a distinct energy, which when personified, helps us evaluate where our own individual strengths and weaknesses are.
Connect to nature
Evaluate our own self and the relationships around us
Balance our space
Enhance our self love and reflection
Bring harmony and healing to life
Learn the art of releasing excess
Find contentment
Experience greater clarity and joy
What we learn from each element
EARTH
~ to ground, listen and balance ~
Earth represents being committed to our personal values and ethical principles. Earth is the food we eat, the rocks and mountains that hold us, the mud and sand between our toes, the chemical elements like metal. It is the representation of our physical bodies.
WATER
~ to trust, accept and flow ~
Water represents flow and contribution. It involves our emotional passages and legacy we will leave behind us. Water is linked with emotions and adaptability. It is the tides of life, it’s the fluidity and changing nature. Water is the rain, rivers, lakes and oceans, our blood, sweat and tears.
FIRE
~ to transform, clarify and invigorate ~
Fire represents our power, passions, and desires. It involves all the things that excite us and push our core strengths. Fire is energy our determination and courage. It is passionate ideas, wildfires, a hot stove, autumn colors, the summer lightning storms.
AIR
~ to move, inspire and harmonize ~
Air represents our freedom and spirit. It reminds us that we need to dream and improvise all the time. To let go and be free from the tethers that weigh us down. Air is associated with sound, music and vibrations. It is the wind, smoke, and feathers flying in the breeze.
Avatar, the Last Airbender
If you know me well, you know that my favorite show of all time is Avatar, the Last Airbender. This anime television series is set in an Asiatic-inspired world, in which some people can telekinetically manipulate one of the four elements through practices known as bending, which are inspired by Chinese martial arts. The only individual who can bend all four elements, the Avatar, is responsible for maintaining harmony amongst the world's four nations, and serves as the bridge between the physical world and the spirit world. It is a brilliant show that beautifully handles important human-centric and nature-centric themes. I HIGHLY recommend watching the show. (Now, people understand why my dog’s name is Yuki, which is Japanese for snow, as I am a huge anime nerd.)
I added a snippet from one of my favorite scenes that beautifully breaks down the four elements, which are described as nations in the show, and why we should connect to them all.
How to connect with each element
EARTH
A great exercise to start with is to go outside and take your shoes off. Feel the earth. Focus on eating root vegetables for a few nights. How does that feel in the body?
Grounding
Forest bathing
Lie on the ground and feel earth’s heartbeat
Connect with crystals and gems
Gardening
Mud baths
Hug, climb or sit with trees
Go on a nature scavenger hunt
Flower arranging
Flower pressing
Pottery
Bake bread
Make fairy houses and gardens
Work with herbs/make herbal tea
WATER
A great exercise to start with is to feel your emotions. For one week, try acknowledging emotion when it comes up. No suppression, no judgment, just feel and observe.
Imagine water is cleansing as you shower
Float therapy
Stand or dance in the rain
Fall asleep listening to water sounds
Release emotions in a safe space
Forgive
Dance
Water sports such as surfing
Go swimming
Have a water balloon fight
Rafting down a river
Wade in the ocean
FIRE
A great exercise to start with is to write down what you need to release. What emotions, events, traumas are holding you back? Write these down and burn the paper in a flame of choice, such as with candles or fireplaces. Let the fire transform it.
Watch a flame flicker
Sunbathe
Meditate on your sacral chakra
Creative hobbies
Roast marshmallows
Play shadow games
Build a bonfire
Find fireflies
Play with sun catchers, glow sticks or prisms
Watch the sunset
Exercise
Plan adventurous activities
Plan out passionate work ideas
AIR
A great exercise to start with is to say yes to everything for one day (more if you want). Let the universe be your spirit guide for a moment. Let go of your routine and schedules. Blow with the wind.
Hum
Breathwork
Meditate
Feel the wind
Listen to the trees blowing
Sing
Learn and listen to bird calls
Go sailing, windsurfing, hang gliding or parasailing
Make music
Blow on blades of grass between your thumbs
Make wind catchers, kites, wind chimes, streamers, or flags.
Collect feathers
Travel with no plans
Give away what doesn’t bring you joy (Marie Kondo your life)
Fascinating lecture. Thank you Molly