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Autumn reveals diverse tones of color in the forests and mountains. Leaves turn to yellows, oranges and reds. They are falling gracefully to the earth creating a soft colorful carpet. Autumn is also the time to harvest a symbolic moment of appreciation and gratitude for all that has been nourished during spring and summer.
Observing the leaves falling gently may offer a sense of relief. Sometimes our mind is too busy for us to see or hear what is surrounding us. We may notice a dissociation from our senses and environment as our minds are preoccupied with worry. Stress causes anxiety and impacts our health, our relationships and our quality of life.
Walking mindfully in the forest, we become aware of crunchy sensations below our feet. The wind blows and we hear its whisper. We smell the rich fragrances that are particular to this time of the year.
Placing our hands on our heart, closing our eyes and listening to the voice within, we can draw our attention to our breath while visualizing loving light in our heart center and releasing any thoughts to give space to the heart’s frequency. Love is the best remedy for healing and clarity of mind.
A harmonious relationship to all the five elements (air, fire, water, earth, ether) liberates our thought process to rekindle the mind body connection.
Below are exercises to cleanse each of the five elements. You may apply these in your daily or weekly routine for clarity and wellbeing.
The first thing we do when we come to this world is breathe. Breath is vital and relates to communication. It supports our wellbeing and rejuvenates the whole body.
The fire lightens up our life. Fire is a masculine element. Its aspects are change, creativity, motivation, willpower, drive and sensuality. Fire ceremonies are used for marriage, birthdays and other auspicious times of our lives for healing and purification. Fire brings warmth. When the fire is healthy and strong it reflects in the charisma of the person.
In pranayamas (breathing techniques) we teach the fire breath. This technique is a way to cleanse the solar plexus and to ignite inner fire:
For our first experiences, we place our hands on our plexus area, we inhale naturally through the nose. We then follow with a sharp exhalation contracting the belly/plexus area. The exhale is short and direct. We can begin with a series of 15 breaths of fire, and then extend unto 33. We may do three series of 33 breaths of fire. This activation of the fire clarifies our mind and rekindles mind body soul connection.
The water flows and changes depending on its environment. This element relates to our emotions. Sometimes we freeze, sometimes we steam, sometimes we are calm. Our moods and emotions are influenced by the circumstances around us.
Dr. Masaru Emoto has shown how water exposed to positive speech and thoughts can form visually “pleasing” crystals.
The earth supports us. It is stable, strong below our feet. We walk, jump, run, dance. We lay down. A moment of appreciation for the unconditional support we receive from gaia (mother earth) nurtures our connection. When we feel unsettled, we lose ground. A mindful walk brings our attention to the present moment.
Ether is space and relates to sound. We notice the importance of space in our life. When we breathe there is the inhalation, the moment of contention holding the breath and the exhalation. The best musicians are those who know how to play the pause.
Being mindful to all the five elements and senses (touch, smell, sight, sound, taste) when we eat a meal or in any other activities bring our attention back to the present moment. Clearing our mind and giving space to then take in aspects of our lives with a new perspective and more clarity.
Christelle Chopard is a life coach, yoga therapist C-IAYT, vortex meditation practitioner and author of a trilogy about the dharmi method.
As the days grow shorter here in the Northern Hemisphere and we head into autumn, this is the time of the year when nature comes alive with those deep and rich tones of color. These nourishing and warm autumn colors tell us, just like the tree that’s shedding its leaves, that it’s time let out a deep sigh for all the hard work of spring and summer and time to let go of what is no longer needed, and to prepare to slow down and go inwards.