Last week the exploration of the element of Aether provided the backdrop for the remaining four elements – Earth, Water, Fire and Air. This week the Earth exploration begins. The possibilities for exploring Earth-related concepts are endless. There is so much that nature can teach us about this element that we can use in our everyday lives to improve physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health.
The Earth element is akin to the dense nature of the body. The rocks, soil and plants of Earth are the bones, muscles and connective tissue of the physical body. These solid forms are the foundations and create the strength and structure upon which other elements depend. For example, the rocks and soil create river banks that contain water and direct its flow towards its destination – the sea. Without this guiding structure, the water would lose its vital energy and direction. The absence of a container can result in the dissipation of power. With the support of Earth, the water harnesses its liveliness and uses it wisely.
Coming back to the body, the skeleton is the structure upon which all else is built. There are practical things you can do to strengthen your skeleton. Nutrition is fundamental, but also the thing that strengthens bones is stress. Physical stress on the bones is like wind for trees. The wind puts pressure on the tree, and it responds by shooting deeper roots and reinforcing the density of the trunk. Stress tells bones to reinforce themselves in order to cope with the outside world. Too much or sudden stress can fracture bone, but consistent exercise will increase bone density. Things like walking and core and weight training are practical ways to strengthen bones.
Muscle is like the soil. When soil is well nourished with minerals, organic matter, water and oxygen, It becomes fertile ground for growth. One of my favourite mantras is “Motion is lotion for your body”. The more you move, the more you can move. Conditioning the body creates a strong container for mental, emotional, social and spiritual development. Breath practices improve oxygenation of the blood and not only feed the muscles but also help to release tension.
Connective tissue and neutrons are like the body’s plants and fungus of the Earth. Branches of trees, plants and mycelium transport nutrients and information towards and waste away from where it is needed. Good connective tissue health relies on nourishment, hydration and movement. Movement like stretching keeps the connective tissue supple and youthful. The repetition of movement creates the connections that help the system remember what to do through practice. For example, training a muscle in a specific way, like doing regular squats, allows you to easily pick yourself up if you fall and is one of the key movement patterns that predict longevity and quality of life. In contrast, the diversity of movement that you would develop through dance or sport creates integrated and complex patterns of movement mastery that help strengthen the body as a whole.
I have been contemplating the Earth element and its spiritual significance around strength and fertility in relation to Wellness Arts. The ideas that have been emerging and interweaving in my mind for several years are now starting to solidify. This seems like an insurmountable task to me at times. However, I have created the space in my schedule for the real work to begin. I have a renewed sense of excitement and faith that the structures (bones), dedication (muscles) and systems (plants/mycelium) will be built in preparation for the next stage – Flow.
