Elemental Awakening

by Heidi Cohen-Wolff
http://www.visionmagazine...com/archives/0908/Viewpoint_Elements.html

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When we break the human being down into our most finite of molecular components, we precisely reflect the same materials that make up the Earth. Our blood is 90 percent water, our breath is sustained through air and our body is made up of the same minerals as the earth’s crust. It appears that our spirit is the same essence as fire, a blue flame sparked to life with divine infusion. Within each one of us lies a complex ecosystem which mirrors that of the natural world, as well as its innate wisdom to function without directions attached.

Therefore, when we celebrate our lives and who we are in this physical dimension, the elements are perhaps the most powerful tools we hold for assisting in our spiritual development and healing.

In numerous traditions, the elements have a directional correlation which varies slightly. My interpretation is that the east represents air, north is earth energy, west symbolizes water and south is connected to fire. Some traditions such as Buddhism also include ether as energy or all that is. In various Wiccan, Kabbalistic and Native American ceremonies, these four directions and their elemental representations.. are beckoned in through dance and vocal invocations such as prayer, poetry and song, and by use of sage, frankincense and other herbs. This is a strong, deliberate way to access the energies which are attached to these elements.

The two elements that we most frequently come into contact with are air and water—the two which we require to exist. Using air to heal ailments is most commonly done through breathwork, referred to in Sanskrit as pranayama. Techniques such as alternate nostril breathing, breath of fire and osho breath are all quite effective in balancing the brain, calming the nervous system, strengthening our core muscles and cleaning “mind clutter.” Like soul medicine, breathing exercises help to guide us into meditative states of consciousness. It’s surprising that no one has bottled and sold oxygen yet. Wait—there are flavor-infused oxygen bars for our healing enjoyment. Oxygen therapy is a profound technique that utilizes IV drips to quickly oxygenate the blood, treating many ailments including cancer.

Water is rejuvenating, refreshing, cleansing and nourishing. We require approximately 64 ounces of H2O daily to function optimally. Drinking water helps flush toxins out of our body through urine and sweat. A number of research studies have confirmed that a multitude of ailments can be improved by increased water consumption. In cases of emergency, young coconut water has been used in transfusions when plasma was unavailable. There are also tremendous benefits of immersing ourselves in bodies of water such as the mineral rich Dead Sea. We can also use Epsom salt baths to help bring magnesium into overexerted muscles. Just as water (which primarily makes up placenta fluid) cradled us in-utero, entering water offers us the comfort of this nurturing liquid life. Watsu (a type of massage done in water) is gaining more popularity. Also, more and more mothers are choosing water births since it is less traumatic for a baby to go from a watery womb into a warm wet tub. Scientists have proven that all life on Earth began in the ocean. Therefore, it is natural for us to return to this element.

The earth element intertwines with our lives through everyday occurrences and special occasions. We use herbs, seeds, plants, clays, vitamins, minerals, berries, and crystals for wellbeing and healing. As children and dogs so jovially demonstrate, playing in the sand and digging in the soil are two examples of interacting with our Earth. We are blessed with outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, bird-watching, skiing, surfing and more. Creating art projects using items collected in nature is a beautiful practice that can be done as a group project or on your own.

Fire allows us to generate heat, light, energy and a way of cooking food. Participating in firewalking rituals, ceremonies and fire dancing are very powerful opportunities to merge with fire. Since fire is transformationa..l, putting dreams and prayers on paper in a cauldron or fire pit and burning them helps with manifestation. Burning natural soy and palm wax candles is simple, great for ambiance and helps reduce fossil fuel use.

As we expand our consciousness and search for ways to connect to all life, we can see how it becomes natural to integrate the elemental tools into our daily routines. Imagine how taking it a step further can enhance our gifts. I believe this requires stepping into our responsibility for respecting these precious elements and resources that are created by them.

Now more than ever, human beings have lost touch or completely forgotten who we are and where we descend from. The majority of us are so cluttered with life’s demands that we ignore our role as Earth sisters and brothers. Is not protecting the planet and her valuable, non-renewable resources our most crucial task if we are to survive? We already see the detrimental effects of soil erosion, as well as increased air pollution and waterways. Our planet maintains such a delicate fabric of balance that our disrespect has caused consequences that we must begin to address. Yet when we are bombarded with stimuli, technology, stress, decisions and other modern day distractions, it is rather difficult to remain faithful to that from which we have so sadly slipped away. Most people in society have become so disconnected from their roots, it is no wonder they callously leave a trail of destruction behind them.

There seems to be a parallel between the buildup of cities with society’s loss of appreciation and awe for the natural world. When we disengage from our roots of living off of the land for a life of conveniences available at our disposal, our relationship to our environment shifts.

One of humanity’s most staggering obstacles for remaining connected to our land is our diet. Society’s dependence on grocery stores and restaurants for food divides us from one of our oldest routines. Most individuals (especially here in the United States) no longer grow their own food. Those who do experience increased appreciation for the land and elements when they harvest the fruits of their labor. To use food as medicine is to enjoy the ripeness of Mother Earth’s gifts of nourishing fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, grains and healing herbs. The Standard American Diet (S.A.D) consists primarily of tortured and diseased factory-farmed animals and their secretions, artificial flavors and colors, fat and sugar, coffee and alcohol. Not surprisingly, many people are obese, sick and toxic, just like the “food” they eat.

When we honor that we are not separate from this planet and all the beings that reside here, we begin to function in a place of gratitude and harmony with our environment. What a blessing it is to truly return home when we dedicate appreciation and time to indulging in all the pleasures of our living playground.


Heidi Cohen-Wolff is a Holistic Health Practitioner and sacred elemental dance instructor. For private or group sessions, contact her at healingvegandan..cer@yahoo.com.