Elements of Change – Water
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“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it” Lao Tzu
In the northern hemisphere we have just passed the autumn equinox, a time for inner reflection and an opportunity to give gratitude for all we have brought to fruition in the last six months whilst noticing what may benefit from some balance as we move towards winter.
Water covers 70% of our planet and this is mirrored in the human body as we too are life-giving water. This water connects us to all of life – past, present and future. It nourishes all parts of our body, replenishes the land and all beings who thrive here.
Water brings life and movement and is a wonderful metaphor for life: water is reflective, receptive, releasing, its power lies in flow and change.
Water is connected to the cycles of the moon and as I write the moon is growing full in the fire sign of Aries. Water can have a cooling influence if we have an overabundance of fire energy and will strengthen our feminine, yin energy.
At this time as we celebrate our gifts to the world, we also reflect on what we can release, and take action towards something we have been putting off until now.
The act of release is of vital importance in the process of growth, making room for creativity. An old proverb states that you can’t squeeze a fist full of water. The harder you squeeze, the faster it will run out of your hand. It is only when you release your grip and allow the water to flow that you experience its true beauty and energy.
The water element embodies the power of emotion, communication and cleansing. It encourages adaptability and strength by teaching us to follow the path of least resistance. Yet water’s apparent gentleness is deceptive.
The element of water has much to teach us on the spiritual path. In the Tao Te Ching we are asked to act in accordance with water.
According to the Tao water is non-confrontational, it makes room and accommodates by assuming a new shape. It is humble, yielding and nurturing and facilitates the building of meaningful relationships, both within ourselves, and in the outer world.
To go with the flow in to the unknown, openly and patiently is to experience the effortless grace our forebears described.
In the natural world if we watch a stream closely we notice there is always a balance between the rushing and the quiet. The energy of water can help us find the balance of stillness and movement in our lives. When we get still in meditation we connect to our essence, the source of all wisdom and understanding.
I invite you each day to connect to the cleansing, purifying energy of water. When you take a bath or shower visualise fears, stress and unwanted emotions being washed away and give thanks to the water for renewal and restored vitality.
Visualise yourself as the water in a mountain stream. You will naturally encounter challenges along your path – some significant, some trivial. Emulate the stream. Follow your intuition to find the natural path around each obstacle and move gracefully past with minimal effort.
“Water carries our thoughts and prayers, as you are water yourself. No matter where you are, your prayers will be carried to the rest of the world” Dr Masaru Emoto
