5 Elements of Self-care
Self-care redefined
Self-care redefinedThe 5 Elements of Chinese medicine express themselves in our body-mind-emotion-spirit.
Imbalances within ourselves are eased by taking a little time to care for ourselves. Using the wisdom of the 5 Elements, we have access to innovative possibilities for self-care. Below is a short list to get you started:
Earth -Nourishing, giving and receiving
Lie down on the floor or ground and get very comfortable. Feel the Earth supporting your entire body from head to toe. Let yourself receive the steady, ever-present support of the Earth. As you are filled, pass on some of what you receive to others.
Metal – Clarity, reflection, letting go
Clear an area in a room, or outside in Nature. Sit comfortably and allow your attention to explore the spaces between objects rather than the objects themselves. As your breath settles, bring your attention to the spaces within your nose, sinuses, airway, and lungs.
Water – Incubation, yielding, stillness
Be very present while pouring yourself a glass of water. Let yourself wonder where this water came from, how it is changing shape as it fills the cup, how it changes shape as you drink.
Wood – growing, expanding, reaching
Expand your physical body – reach your arms up and out, inhale deeply to expand your ribs, feel yourself taking up more space than usual.
Fire – Loving, celebrating, communicating
Bring your awareness to your heart. Remember a moment of feeling love. As you feel the sensation of love in your heart, allow it to radiate within your body.
thanks Cindy, good stuff.
so simple and useful! I really appreciate your posts Cindy. Thank you.
Debbie,
You are most welcome – thanks so much for writing 🙂
hi Cindy, Thank you so much for this tidbit! Refreshers always help! If you’d like to read a great book and reinforce your teachings about the elements, you might check out Mastering 5-Elements by Jeff Primack qigong practitioner & Professor Tanya Storch. I highly recommend it. fun read! I see its on amazon,
Have a very special Christmas and a super fun, thrilling, year of abundance, joy, laughter and peace within.
Rachelle
Hi Rachelle,
Thanks for the book idea, it sounds great!
Merry Christmas to you too, I’m glad we are connected.
🙂
Cindy
Thank you Cindy! In everyday rush I sometimes forget it. Good remaining
You are welcome! Happy to hear from you Riina 🙂
Thank you! I have always struggled understanding the elements. This brief message helped me the most. Cool!!
Hi Rebecca,
Yay! Glad it’s making sense
Beautiful
Thank you for these simple doable awareness actions
Annette,
You are welcome! 🙂
k interesante, gracias por compartir
Thank you. Namaste __/l\__
You are welcome 🙂
Thanks Cindy
You are welcome Kris 🙂
thank you
so awesome
Happy to know that you like it!
wonderful!
🙂