Meditation and The Elements
This was originally published by Elephant Journal online
The concept of working with Elements (Earth, Fire, Water, Air, Metal) is familiar to many through the tradition of Feng Shui and it’s use of wood, fire, earth, metal, water to create harmony and peace within homes or businesses. I ask you to consider that these same tools are also available to assist us to bringing peace and harmony into our Body and Spirit and to deepen our connection with meditation. The Elements are a beautiful tool of communication to use with Ourself, and much of this communication already occurs on a regular basis. When we bring purposeful awareness to this enjoyable practice it benefits us by strengthening the bond of communication and trust we have when listening to our own internal voice.
Today’s busy and chaotic world has the ability to create busy and chaotic lives. Our busy energy mixes with the busy energy of individuals around us and it can become quite challenging to live in the present moment with a sense of peace. When struggling to be present, focusing on an Element, even with thought alone, assists our body to move forward with increased ease. The simplicity of this communication with our body occurs without words, and by removing the ‘chatter’, even for a moment, we may find our transition to calm and presence a smoother journey.
Here are a few basic examples to ponder, using the Elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Metal, to assist our Being into a state of awareness in the present moment.
Earth ~ Simply think of the Earth and what grows upon this planet. Here you will find clues to working with the Element of Earth. For instance, one may walk outside, touch a tree, carry a piece of driftwood in your pocket, walk barefoot, have a potted plant in your home or office, work in your garden, bend down and feel the dirt, or simply look out the window at nature. Each of these activities, with purposeful awareness, invite our conscious being to become present, and nature with it’s silent language is a beautiful gateway. Think of touching a tree and it’s rough bark, imagine leaning into a pine and inhaling it’s fragrance, what sense of meditation do these actions inspire. When working with Earth, invite her presence into your home or office; collect unique stones and have them on your desk at work or in your home in a visible location, carry a stone in your pocket to hold in your hand.
Water ~ One can connect with The Element of Water using multiple actions in our daily lives. As you bathe or shower be conscious of the water not only washing away the dirt of the day or waking you to a new day, but assisting you to also wash away any energies or emotions that do not need to be present at that moment. Give yourself permission to relax mentally in the shower or the bath and allow the Element of Water to aid in calming your body. If you find yourself in a frenzied state, run your hands under water and be purposeful to invite in the calm. Sometimes even the simple act of dipping our hands in water for a moment will help, and of course foot baths have their own traditions with cleansing action.
Fire ~ The Element of Fire is found in safe and monitored use of flame. Candles, fireplaces, campfires; working with this Element invites us to access Fire. Place a candle on your desk, or work station, next to your computer as you work. Position a candle on your counter top in the kitchen as you cook, provide light to dining table with candle light.
- Obvious disclaimer; candles and flames should always be monitored by a responsible adult. Do not leave fire within reach of small children, when leaving a room extinguish all flames. -
Controlled fire creates a meditative state and has historical tradition with meditation practices, work with this Element in your living and work spaces, as appropriate, to bring calm into your spaces.
Air ~ Air as an Element is located in breath, wind, and movement. To find grounding and connect with the Element of Air we need to become conscious of the air around us and inside of us. We know conscious breathing is beneficial. Pay close attention to your deep breaths, you sighs, your inhales and exhales. Notice when you take deeper breaths of relaxation or tight breaths of anxiety. Actively work to use your breath to calm and center yourself. This practice represents the use of Air Element in our body. Another use of the Element of Air is to recognize the use of air and movement outside of our body. Step outside, feel the air on your skin. Take a deep breath and move your body to shift the air inside of and around you. Use moment to stimulate air within and feel it shift on your skin.
Metal ~ Many people consider this Element as a part of Earth. I think of it as a combination of all. One needs earth to produce, fire to work, water to cool and air to breathe life into fire to create heat. When working with Metal as an Element it benefits us to choose which Metals we have around. For example, wearing copper or gold jewelry, or cooking with cast iron. Think of picking up your heavy cast iron pan and feel your body resonate just a little deeper with the meal you will prepare. The Element of Metal in contact with our body, in my opinion acts like a magnet to the Earth but uses all of the Elements in the process.
Purposefully connecting with nature and all of The Elements is meant as a tool to guide into a natural, silent communication with our body. Introducing some of these thoughts and practices has the ability to deepen meditation and is an avenue to shift awareness into the present moment. Know that our needs change constantly and it becomes a beautiful process to discover which Element, or combination of Elements, you need in the moment to find your presence.
Emily Hall is a holistic wellness practitioner and within her business she works with private clients, delivers workshops and address large audiences with the goal of teaching other how to connect with the voice of their Being. Emily can be reached via her website: www.EmilyHallListening.com