Nature Practice: Four Elements

Find a quiet spot in a natural environment (field, park, forest, river, etc), where ever you feel comfort and are able to relax for 20-30 minutes. Bring any concern you are currently working through to explore with the elements. It can be stress, physical pain, maybe even something you are feeling ambivalent about.

I used this practice in the past when I was experiencing stress, and found it to be a helpful tool for grounding and refocusing my mind during a time of overwhelm. As an example, I wrote in my notes during the practice that “The Earth reminded me to think bigger and in cycles. Simplify my life where I can, and focus on what I really care about. Change is coming and I am safely held through it all.”

We hold so much wisdom within us, and often when we take a little time to just sit with our selves, the answers we need naturally arise from within us. Elements in nature can inspire new perspectives, empathy, compassion, acceptance, and more.

It is okay is to only work with one element. The trees, plants, rocks, and fungi are great supporters too.

Journal prompts:

What does the Earth Say?

The Earth reminded me that…

What does the water say?

What does the fire say?

What does the air say?