by Ronnee Ruselle and D Thomson

This meditation is adapted from the Visualization - Using the Elements of Nature for Balance.

The four main elements of nature - earth, fire, air and water, represent different qualities and relate to different aspects of ourselves. This meditation uses visualization to bring the power of nature's energies into balance within ourselves.

Move into a comfortable position, whether seated or lying down. Take a few deep breaths and relax each of your muscles from your toes right up to the top of your head. Tense and release each muscle if you find that you have trouble relaxing.

Now visualise each of nature's elements moving up through your body as described below...

Earth - Imagine sustaining and grounding earth energy rising up from the earth like the roots of a tree, sprouting green life as it travels...up into your feet...up your legs...to the base of your spine. Feel how solid it is. Know that the Earth supports you and is a firm, strong base for you. Now continue the meditation using water...

Water - Solid earth energy now transforms into fluid water energy...balancing the emotions and encouraging you to go with the flow. As it moves, feel the flow and the movement of it...it moves slowly from the lower body...up through the mid-section...then to the heart area. Continue now with air...

Air - Water now becomes the lighter element of air, relating to communication and thought...it rises from the shoulders, up through the throat and head...clearing your thoughts and mind. While you visualize this, feel your throat open to allow free communication, removing any nervousness or blockages from issues unspoken. Allow your mind to clear so that thoughts and words can come and go freely when needed. Now moving onto Fire...

Fire - Air now becomes fire energy...the energy of spirit...flames rise up to burn away the old and transform it into the new...it starts in the forehead, the third eye and moves up beyond the top of your head. While you visualize the fire, you feel it's warmth go through you, burning away any negativity around you and any barriers that prevent you from connecting with your energy and your higher self.

If you wish, you can see the flames disappear into 'ether' - the energy of the Universe.

Now see the energies transform back down again....from fire, to air, to water and back to earth - see the roots connect you with earth again.

You can also vary the way the energy travels, for example:

You could visualise the energies moving slowly up the centre of your spine, perhaps clearing each of the chakras as it goes.

For a more 'active' experience you might visualise the energies circling within and around your body like a whirlpool, sweeping up with it any energies you want to get rid of so they can be released into the Universe when they reach the top. This is a very cleansing method. As the energies travel down again from fire/spirit it can bring pure Universal energy with it to fill your body.

Repeat this process as many times as you wish. Once you get used to this process you could use this as a routine at the start of the day and do the visualisation standing up - to connect you with nature and start the day off feeling harmonious and balanced.