Experiment #10: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water

Experiment #10: To further explore this elemental language, we can consciously choose to draw each element – earth, air, fire, and water – one at a time. Begin first by closing your eyes. Gradually become aware of any inner sensations in this moment. Then name one of these elements to yourself, noticing any inner changes it might bring. Do you sense a quality of movement or distinctive shapes? Let this felt sense guide your drawing, beginning with eyes closed, if this is helpful… letting the force of the element lead the way. Draw the other elements in the same way. Notice any inner changes you might experience as you draw each element…

Starting with my eyes closed, I didn’t have an element in mind yet. But the first thing I felt were my feet on the floor, and how grounding that was, so I went with Earth. I felt the peacefulness of being grounded wash over me, and visualized what that looks like. To me, it’s vertical, deep roots, plus curves – like the roundness of the earth itself, and the hills of my Wisconsin upbringing.

I did the rest of the piece with eyes open, but still connecting to that feeling of grounded-ness and deepness. Earth is the fertile bowl from which this life was born -we are all of it. This meditation is really just a reconnection with that.

Then I tackled Air, Fire, and Water. What surprised me was the ease that Fire and Air came to my hand, and the struggle I had with Water. Water is my favorite element, but I’ve so stylized it over the years that it was harder to let go of those concepts and just feel the feeling of water. I was also overwhelmed with all the forms it takes – deep lakes, waterfalls, raindrops, streams, ocean waves….

Fire and Air came more easily. They just poured out of me. I’d been staring at a fire for the last two days, since it’s chilly out and I moved my practice into the sitting room to stay warm. The movements of fire starting quickly, jutting upward, and then I was surprised that my hand began cycling back on itself.