And so we invite in the gifts and the guidance of the Earth element, which arises during seasonal transitions: the Solstice and Equinox. We are moving from the Wood of spring (task oriented – think plowing the fields) into the Fire of summer (where the joy of watching the crops grow under the sun gives rise to dance). Are you ready?
The Fire element is associated with our small intestine, whose job it is to discern what foods to bring more deeply into our bodies and what to let go of. But how do we know “what to let go of, and what to invite in” so we can truly open to the joy of summer?
Ah, this is where we center ourselves in the Earth element, for she is so good at guiding us, through self-love. Each element expresses itself within us through our emotions. The emotion of Earth out of balance is over worry. What did she mean by that? How can I make him change? What horrible news will I read today? Over worry comes from our love for our people, our planet – it is our radical capacity to nurture life into being. But too much over worry and… you know the signs of depletion.
We bring Earth into balance through self-love. We turn all that nurturance and good wishing for others and turn it onto ourselves. Think of your bhava, your heart’s light, radiating out into the world 24-7 like a lighthouse. Now, turn that light back into your heart, and let it radiate through your body. Bathe in your bhava. Pretty cool, huh?
We center ourselves in the Earth element by simply going outside. Get your bare feet onto the earth. Take a walk (no earbuds!) and find a place to sit on the ground and let the wind (or the river, if you’re lucky) wash over you. Hummm. Do some of that breathwork you do on your yoga mat. Let the deep quiet seep in.
And so here’s the takeaway, that’s honestly been blowing my mind. When we center ourselves in the Earth element, we are guided into ease through the transitions in our lives. Our decisions, perspectives, our discernment are no longer solely up to us. Earth wisdom is guiding us, supporting us to hew ever closer onto our dharmic path, where our thoughts, words, actions and habits align with our highest aspirations of being and becoming.
Energy Medicine Yoga practice – Triple Warmer/Spleen hug. Wrap your arms around your torso like you’re giving yourself a hug. Bring your left palm to your right rib cage and place your right palm just above the bend in your left elbow, on the outside of your arm. Engage ujjayi breath, swaying side to side like you’re cradling a baby. (Pro tip: you’re the baby!) Switch sides. This balances your “fight/flight” vigilance with nourishing self-love.
Namaha, my loves – Bring in this wisdom, let it circulate through you, and then give it back into the Universe as, together, we raise the vibration of love in all ways.
Note: As many of you know, I am engaging in an advanced Energy Medicine Yoga certification. It’s sooo juicy! This blog is an attempt to share the energetic shifts I’m experiencing as I engage with Chinese medicine’s Five Element Theory.
