Be Present in the Moment – An Elemental Mindfulness Exercise

Whenever I’m a little unfocused or even worried, I like to use some type of grounding or mindfulness technique to help me be present in the moment. I also use this elemental technique when I just need a few minutes to myself, like when I need to decompress after a long day. And with the quarantine right now, just a few minutes outside can really lift my mood.

This is a quick and easy technique using the four elements – Earth, Air, Fire and Water – that you can easily work into your day. You can use it to center or ground yourself, commune with nature or to practice mindfulness.

Take a couple of deep breaths and clear your mind.

Now, look for an Earth element. Maybe you see a big rock or just the ground itself. As you look at the item, study how it looks. What shape is it? What is the texture? Think for a moment about how the earth grounds us and gives us stability.

Next, look for an Air element. This could be the sky or a bird or even a gust of wind. Think about how the air makes you feel. Think about how the Air element can bring about change, creativity and good communication.

When you think about the Fire element, the sun is definitely a representation (but don’t stare at it, just feel the heat). You may have a candle on your deck. Or maybe you have a tree nearby with bright red leaves (red being one of the colors representing fire). Think about the warmth that fire brings. Fire also brings healing and passion. How does that relate to you right now?

Finally, look for a Water element. Look for rain or dew on the grass. Maybe there is a fountain nearby. Is the Water element you see moving or still? Think about the properties of water and how it can pool or flow along. Think about how water relates to our emotions.   

Now, take a couple of deep breaths and visualize your Spirit grounded and relaxed.

What if you live in an urban area that doesn’t have trees and grass around? Get creative. Look for colors that represent each element –green for Earth, yellow for Air, reds/oranges for Fire and blue for Water. Look for manmade items that represent each element – a garden gnome for Earth, an air conditioner for Air, a barbeque grill for Fire, or rain gutter to represent Water.

You can also concentrate on just one element if you are feeling unbalanced. Feeling sluggish? Maybe you need more Fire in your life. Make your exercise about the element of Fire and find several items that relate to Fire. Feeling blocked creatively? Make your exercise about the element of Air.

This technique is one that works well for me but feel free to adapt it and make it your own.

Be sure to download my printable of the elements and some of their associations.