Connecting with the Elements

A simple exercise to help you connect with the natural elements.

Many cultures use the different elements of earth air fire and water to describe the physical world. Healing systems such as acupuncture and different energy healing systems also use this (some use earth, air fire, wood and metal, particularly traditional Chinese medicine).

However, I would like to introduce you to a wonderful exercise that I was taught a few years ago by the amazing Glennie Kindred (if you haven’t found Glennie’s work yet, check out her website - http://www.glenniekindred.co.uk/index.html)

This can be done in a group, or as an individual, either is fine.

If you are in a group, sit in a circle. It can be nice to have a representation of the elements in the middle to look at. Decide on which element you would like to start with, and then think about how you embody that element and then vocalise that to the group. As an example, it might be that you say, “I am fire, I am the hearth of the home”, or “I am fire, I am the sun that ripens the crops” If you are doing this as an individual, writing your thoughts and ideas down in a journal works really well.

You can then work your way around the group as many times as you wish, until people run out of ideas for that particular element and then move onto the next.

It is always interesting to see what ideas come out from this exercise and to see how each individual connects with a particular element.

If you try it again at a future point in time, you may find that your answers change slightly, or that you find it easier to think of things for one specific element. This can give an indication as to which element you are more in tune with at that specific time, and in turn an indication as to whether you might need to bring more of a specific element into your life to create more of a balance.

Give this a try and pop your thoughts onto our Facebook page to let us know how you get on.