ELEMENTAL MEDITATION

Elemental Meditation

This meditation serves multiple purposes. It clears your mind so
that you are better able to focus. It also gives you a more visceral
understanding of the natures of each element. It can be a grounding
tool to ground excess energy if done correctly. And finally, it is
fun! This is a movement-based meditation, so it is best to find a
place where you will not be disturbed, because if others are around
you might experience self-consciousness or embarrassment, neither of
which are helpful. This place should be quiet and free of outside
distractions, and it should also allow for a relatively free range of
movement.

Sit on the floor in a comfortable position and spend a few moments
feeling your heartbeat and clearing your mind. You can also choose to
stand, but most people do not find this as comfortable. Then, begin to
meditate upon the element Earth. Feel what it is like to be Earth, the
sensations, the emotions, all that encompasses Earth. Allow the
expression of these feelings to join your mind and body as one, so
that all of you experiences these sensations. Most likely, during this
part your body will remain still, embodying the patience that is
Earth, but if the desire to move takes you, go ahead, since Earth can
move, whether slowly (as in tectonic plate shifting) or quickly and
violently (as in earthquakes).

When the moment feels right, shift your consciousness from Earth
into Water. Let this be a smooth transition, as this meditation should
flow easily from one element to the next. Call up all the sensations,
thoughts, emotions, and movement that is Water. Again let this
awareness infuse your body and mind. At this point, it is likely that
your body will begin to move, whether in small movements while you
remain seated, or in larger movements that require you to stand. This
should be near-instinctive; do not worry whether the movement is
appropriate or "right". "Go with the flow", let your body move as it
will to show its connection with the elements. Water movement will
most likely be smooth, flowing, graceful movements that are full of
emotion. Keep in mind however, that Water, like all the elements, has
a wide range of movements, so something different than the "standards"
that are listed here is not wrong.

When appropriate, shift your awareness gradually from Water into
Air. Let the concept of Air resonate throughout your mind and body. At
this point, you will most likely begin to move more energetically and
erratically about the space. You may try to express specific concepts
through your movements. You are also encouraged to make this a vocal
as well as a kinetic meditation if that feels right.

Again when you are ready, shift once more from Air into Fire. At
this point, as you resonate the concept of Fire, your movements will
most likely be extremely energetic and random. You may find yourself
bumping into walls or other objects. You might pause for a moment in
an odd position, only to careen off again the next moment with the
dancing energy that is Fire.

Depending on your purpose in this meditation, you can choose to end it
one of two ways:

1. If your intent is to clear your mind and provide energy for focus,
then when the moment is right, stop your emulation of Fire and return
to a seated position, breathing deeply and fully aware of your body,
mind, and the elements all around (and within) you.

2. If instead you are more concerned with understanding the elements
or with using this meditation as a technique for grounding, then from
Fire, reverse your movements, going back through Air and Water
(spending as much time as needed on each) until you are back at Earth.
End the meditation in a restful position, whether sitting or lying
down, allowing your excess energy to flow smoothly into the Earth.

And remember- no matter which purpose you use this meditation for, it
is supposed to be fun, so relax and enjoy yourself!