Four Elements Mindfulness
Last week I went on an unexpected walk through nature after following a route on Google Maps. Unbeknown to me behind the busy streets there was a quiet path towards a pond and through the woods.
That evening I reflected on how the elements of nature can connect to mindfulness. In this blog, I share my insights on the connection between them.
Air
A cool breeze can be a welcome relief on a warm sunny day. On a cold day, not so much!
Our perspective of things throughout each day can be different from moment to moment. The same can be said about our emotions.
I'm sure you'll notice the weather changing multiple times a day, especially in Scotland. And that a regular topic of conversation with people is about the weather.
I wonder if we were to think about our thoughts and emotions like the weather if that would make it easier to accept them.
Developing an awareness and acceptance of what arises in your mind and body can help you ground in the present moment. Although you might not like what you're thinking about or feeling, acknowledging that they are there is a useful step.
When you speak to someone about the weather. Take a moment to reflect on how the weather inside you feels that day.
How does it feel to simply notice how you're feeling?
Fire
When ignited a fire has bright and eye-catching flames. A fire can represent our emotions and actions.
Have you ever responded to someone without thinking, then later regretted what you said? We probably all have at some point in our lives.
When you become mindful of your emotions in the moment you create a space before giving your response.
A fire eventually fizzles out. So do emotions.
Becoming mindful of your emotions can help create more self-awareness. Which can, in turn, develop your sense of self-compassion. This involves treating the emotions that arise with kindness and non-judgement.
Now, think about a candle.
What are your initial thoughts?
Does it create different feelings in your body compared to a fire?
It might make you feel relaxed and calm. Although the element is still fire, it's a different type of fire since it is a single flame.
A mindfulness practice which you can try is candle gazing.
Simply bring your full attention to watching the flame of a candle. You can even do this exercise by watching a video of a candle.
When you notice your mind being distracted by thoughts, try observing them before returning your focus to the candle.
The flame, in this instance, is your anchor. The object which helps bring your attention to the present moment.
Earth
Photo by Natasha Iregbu
Underneath the earth there is so much that you can't see unless you look deeper.
A tree's roots are deeply rooted in the ground.
However, when you look at a tree how often do you look up to see its height?
Perhaps if we gave more of our attention to the earth we would feel a sense of grounding and peace.
Looking up to a tree's branches can represent your mind thinking about what is to come next.
On the flip side, looking up at trees can create a sense of awe and wonder.
I usually think “I wonder how old that tree is” or “wow it’s so tall.”
There isn't anything wrong with thinking about the future, we all do it. But, no one can be certain about what will happen in the future.
Being mindful of your actions can help make a difference to what could happen in the future.
My last reflections relating to earth are on flowers.
Flowers bring a sense of lightness and colour to a landscape. Especially in spring after the cold winter months, flowers can be a joyful sight.
What we don't tend to think about is the journey flowers go through to sprout through the earth.
Much like when we see what others are doing in life, through a screen or in real life. You will only see what they tell you or show you. You aren't always aware of their journey.
Which brings me to sharing a mindful reminder with you.
When you find yourself in a space of comparison or your inner critic is loud. Remember that everyone is on a different journey in life and your path is unique to you.
Your inner critic is there to keep you safe.
You can't get rid of it.
What you can do is learn to befriend it and treat it with kindness. It doesn't have to be something that stops you from doing something outside your comfort zone.
Water
Photo by Natasha Iregbu
Last but not least water, my personal favourite. I love being near or in water. I am a pisces which is probably why!
The ripples that appear in ponds, lakes, rivers are similar to our thoughts. They come and go before the water returns to being still.
The waves in the sea can be a good way to think about your thoughts too. There are big waves and small waves.
You might get lost in the big waves/thoughts and dwell on them.
The small waves could be the thoughts that are bubbling under the surface. They can come and go throughout your day but you can pause and simply notice them before starting to overthink.
When you observe your thoughts without dwelling or judging them you can begin to quieten or still your mind.
Which brings you to a space of feeling calm and present.
The flow of water can remind us that throughout the day your mind and actions change.
The speed of which you do things can be altered depending on what is required at that moment.
Do you like watching waterfalls?
I do, I always find them magical.
You might have noticed that the water usually flows at different speeds depending on the height the water falls from.
The next time you're rushing during an activity ask yourself “can I slow down?” or “is this task urgent?”
This can help you become more mindful and attentive to what you are doing.
Invitation
Next time you're in nature, choose an element and explore if you can turn it into a mindfulness practice.
If you would like to feel at ease in your day, I have a couple of spaces open for online private mindfulness sessions this spring. Discover more ways we can work together here.
Lastly, if you have children in your life who are interested in nature, my debut children’s book Slow Down Amaya is now available for pre-order. Introduce children to mindfulness in a fun and playful way!