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MEDITATION

How to Incorporate the 5

Elements into Meditation
Practice
Nature Meditation

Rachelle Williams
July 05, 2016 09:09 AM

Enshrouded by darkness, I sit cross-legged on the dirt ground in the sweat lodge,
focusing on the only source of light emanating from the hot, glowing rocks before
me. Water is poured over the rocks and soon I feel the steamy moisture creep onto
my skin, into my nostrils, and into my lungs, making me fully aware of my body. I
sing with all my heart songs of healing and blessings and I am left breathless. It’s
hard not to sense nature all around me. She is the earth I sit on, the air I breath, the
fire that heats the rocks, the water in my sweat, and the space that exists between,
within, and all around. I begin to recognize my part is not that of observer, but
remembering my oneness with nature. The people around me, the sounds, the
smells—all eventually blend into one and I feel as if I am in the womb of the
universe …

It is well known that the elements of nature have always been recognized in various
forms and respected by cultures, both past and present. All aspects of life such as
art, language, ceremonies, and medicine have been influenced by nature’s beauty
and wisdom.

Today, as we move further and further indoors and into our tech-supported
lifestyles, it’s easy to see how society has become disconnected from that which
has been a source of healing and guidance. Feeling grounded, peaceful, and
energized are a few of the benefits of regularly “hanging out” with nature. Luckily,
we don’t have to go on a wilderness retreat to experience these benefits!

Connecting with Nature

Nature was born from stillness and it is from stillness that we connect with her.
Stillness can be found in different ways for different people, from running to doing
dishes. However, there is something special about connecting with the primordial
elements of nature that triggers the notion that there is a bigger picture and the
potential for something more.
Smelling wet sand after a rain, standing on a mountain top and feeling the wind
whip around you, or listening to the crashing of ocean waves are examples of
experiences that can invoke a renewed sense of self-awareness, fortitude, and
balance in life. If you are thinking back to similar moments and don't recall having
such heightened perceptions that is perfectly fine. Perhaps what was missing at the
time was awareness.

Importance of Awareness

Awareness comes with knowledge and experience. When you have awareness
regarding the importance of nature and her influence on you and vice versa, you can
fully engage in the moment. Author Eckhart Tolle states in his book, A New Earth:
Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, “Awareness is the greatest agent for change.”
You will discover the truth of this as not only how you look but where you choose to
look will vastly change. Over time the ripple effect can profoundly improve your
life, relationships, and overall well-being.

So how do you activate this awareness and invite the benefits of nature into your
life? You first begin with an understanding of the five elements, according to
Ayurveda.

The 5 Elements

Ayurveda recognizes five great elements, or pancha mahabhutas, representing the

most important foundational aspects of nature and matter: space, air, fire, water,
and earth. These natural elements are considered the building blocks of all material
existence. Ayurveda also observes these same five elements within the human body
and mind—as it exists in nature, it also exists within you. Everything in life is
created with varying proportions of these five natural elements.

Here are a few of the qualities of each element:

1. Space or akasha, is the subtlest of the elements. It is expansive, empty, and

has no resistance. It is the source of all matter and houses the space within
which it exists. It allows for growth and change to take place. It is the space
between your cells, your breath, and your thoughts.
2. Air or vayu, is movable, changeable, light, dry, mobile, and dynamic. It
represents the capacity for motion and gives flight to ideas or goals.
Externally, it is seen as wind; internally, it is the movement of breath,
circulation, and nerve impulses.
3. Fire or tejas, is hot, light, intense, powerful, and transformative. Externally,
we see it as the sun or fire; internally, it drives digestion and cognitive
processes.
4. Water or jala, is smooth, flowing, cool, and movable, and can be solid. It
transports, connects, and provides protection and nourishment. Both your
body and the planet are roughly 70 percent water.
5. Earth orprithvi, is heavy, solid, stable, constant, and rigid. It represents all
solid matter and the structure of the universe. Earth gives form to the human
body and to all of creation.

Take a moment to observe and you will begin to notice these qualities all around
you. The more you shift your attention and explore the elements, the more you will
be able to understand and relate to the entire universe. The best way to start
connecting with the five elements is to meditate on their natures.

A Meditation Exercise for

Exploring the 5 Elements

The following is a simple meditation exercise to help you begin exploring the
elements. This can be done on its own or combined with an established meditation
practice. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to perform this as it is all in
your control. The total time to complete this is approximately 25 minutes.

1. Gather items that represent, in your mind, each of the five elements. This is
good way to practice awareness and use your intuition. Here are some
examples:

Space – picture of the night sky or anything that inspires a sense of

lightness and growth
Air – feather, dried herbs
 Fire – candle, statue of a god or goddess
Water – bowl of water
Earth – gemstone, plant

2. Find a quiet place within your home and arrange the items you have gathered
around you in whatever fashion you choose. Have a notepad and pen close
by, just in case.
3. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes and take a few deep belly
breaths, allowing your body to relax. Do this for two minutes.
4. Open your eyes and place your attention on your chosen symbol to represent
earth. For the bowl of dirt, you can smell it, feel it, and maybe even taste it!
Engage with using your senses. Do this for one to two minutes.
5. If you’re able to, hold the item gently in your hand or place it close by you.
Slowly close your eyes and bring to mind the qualities of the element as
listed above. Begin to watch where your thoughts flow and notice any
feelings without judgment. Maybe you feel heaviness—try exploring it and
simply observe. Continue to do this for five minutes.
6. Open your eyes, thank your symbol, and set it aside. Feel free to jot down
quick notes regarding images or feelings.
7. Continue this process with each item by repeating steps four through six.
8. Upon completion, take a moment to close your eyes and take a nice deep
breath in, then release and exhale all the air.

This exercise is meant to help expand awareness and harmonize your relationship
with all of nature—but it’s only the beginning of your journey. Exploring the five
elements through meditation will encourage you to move beyond the physical
expression and into deeper meanings as they pertain to each of us. There is an
expression in Ayurveda that states, “As is the human body, so is the cosmic body. As
is the human mind, so is the cosmic mind.” This essentially describes human
intelligence as not separate from nature’s intelligence. They are intimately
intertwined and when you open your heart and mind to this, you will find that
Mother Nature has been patiently waiting for you to be still, listen, and learn what
you have only forgotten.

Connect with the wisdom and harmony of nature through healing sounds in the
five-part program The 5 Elements, with Codi Jane, available in the Chopra App.

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