The Spirit of the Earth Element

In the 5 element system, the spirit of the earth element is the Yi, the intellect, or ability to think creatively. In a similar way as we take in food, we take in concepts and make our own meaning. You could say this aspect of our spirit or personality is about being able to digest and assimilate thoughts and ideas.

The imbalance of this gift of intellect and wit is when we get stuck in compulsive or obsessive thoughts. Ruminating, circular thoughts and worry are mental activities attributed to the Earth element. Over time, being stuck in any emotion can lead to a state of disease. For me, grounding, coming back to center, and back to the body, is invaluable to living in the present and not being caught in the trap of excessive thinking.

Turning to the stability of the earth, of feeling the body in gravity, can help bring us back to presence.

Mindfulness and somatic practices can help us to identify habits and allow patterns to shift.

Try these:

1. Practice labeling spiraling thoughts or excessive thinking

   Find a label that works for you, I use “planning,” “fantasy,” and sometimes “past” or “future.”
   You will likely start to notice a pattern. Labeling thoughts can begin to release you from the grip of this mental habit.

2. Notice how your body responds to these thoughts.

   Check for tension in the abdomen, jaw, shoulders or hips. This contraction happens naturally when our minds gets busy!
   Soften the body where you can. Gently contract and relax, feeling muscles let go. Let your energy settle down toward the earth.

Softening into our connection with the earth can provide much-needed grounding and stability. Do you trust in the ground beneath your feet? Do you have suport? What can you let go of?

Release to the earth, release to the sky. You deserve comfort and ease.

Cultivating a sense of solidness and presence in the body, especially the lower body and feet, can provide relief from worry and chronic upper body tension, headaches, neck and shoulder pain.

Our lives can shift dramatically when we start listening to our own messages.

Throughout our lives as we experience pain, rejection, and fear, our bodies store these experiences unconsciously. When we start to pay attention to our bodies, we might encounter uncomfortable sensations. We might need support from a teacher or friend to bring ourselves back to presence and safety. Be gentle with yourself and honor your process. Go slowly.

I appreciate the element system because it goes beyond human suffering, reminding us to use the environment in which we live as our teacher. Go outside. Be in the elements.

You belong to the earth.