As an element, the Earth is a powerful ally for growth, sustainability, and practical change. However, working with the Earth requires accountability because we will see the effects of our actions on the world around us.
This article will explore how we can connect to the earth element meaningfully and how a relationship with this element can create powerful change.
Recognizing The Earth Element
Before I sat down to write this story, I was called to tidy my space. There are many benefits to working in a clean space, such as improving clarity and focus. But that wasn’t why I decided to sweep my office before sitting down to write.
The four elements are powerful ways to create balance and momentum in our lives. Accessing that power isn’t as simple as invoking their names or presence. True power is nurtured when we connect to the elements — when we build a relationship with them.
Earth shows up in our physical space. Whether we are in the mountains or sitting in our bedroom, the material world is created by the same elements. Everything we can touch comes from the Earth in some way.
This is why taking care of our physical space is so important.
When we actively take care of our belongings, our homes, and the environment around us, we are already in relationship to the Earth element. Equally, when we disrespect our homes or our environments, we are in a relationship to the Earth element that is rooted in disconnection and disrespect.
To consciously choose to work with the Earth element is to recognize its existence all around us. Not only is this element present in our physical world, but it is also there in our bodies.
When we recognize that the relationship already exists, we can then be honest about the state of that relationship.
Are we taking care of ourselves? Do we like our bodies? What is our relationship to pleasure?
How do we treat our living space or belongings? Is maintenance a chore or a soothing activity? Do we easily discard or replace objects on a whim?
When we are in a park or on a hike, how do we treat the natural world? Do we pick up the trash we see? If we take from the natural environment, do we think about the impact of what we are taking?
Right Relationship and Authentic Connection
Earth is an element that requires accountability.
Because Earth impacts our material world, we are accountable to the seeds we plant. Our cumulative actions and intentions over time create our reality. Whereas other elements (Water, Air, and Fire) are more fluid, working with Earth creates tangible and long-lasting impacts.
This is true whether we are connecting to our body, our community, or our greater environment.
This tangible impact and accountability created a lot of personal resistance in my work with the elements. I feared investing in a reality I didn’t actually want. I also feared investing in a dream that might never appear in my material world.
When I did start to deepen my connection to the Earth element by strengthening my relationship to the natural environment and my own body, there were days where I was overwhelmed by responsibility. I would see environmental degradation or I would feel like my health had too many moving parts, and I would be tempted to give up and numb out.
In these moments, all the Earth asked for was my presence.
In presence, the Earth element showed me how to root deeply into her stability, so I could withstand the discomfort, fear, and doubt. I learned that these emotions were fluid like water, and grounding myself allowed me to let these emotions flow. I learned that releasing old stories and habits was okay, because release is what allows nutrients to be recycled into new growth.
When exercise and nutrition weren’t always accessible to me, my presence – and my choice to be present regardless of the discomfort or pain in the moment – was a powerful way to honour my relationship with the Earth element.
In presence, I was called to make the choice that honoured this relationship — this connection — in that specific moment. Sometimes that meant rest. Sometimes that meant movement. Sometimes that simply meant being in relationship in that moment.
Join me in this Vibrant Systems meditation, Preparing The Soil For Intention.
The Earth Element Cultivates Community Connection Too
All too often, we live in disconnection from one another. We may pass a stranger in the store and not even meet their eyes. Social media spaces are curated by algorithms of division and polarization. Bridging these gaps can be an anxiety-inducing nightmare.
But what if the Earth element was here to support us, too?
In working with the Earth element, I try to spend time in nature, observing patterns and the relationships of ecosystems. Even in my backyard, there is so much diversity that reveals itself as I settle into a place of rootedness.
Our differences are not meant to disconnect us. Instead, they reflect the beauty and intricacy of our wholeness.
Relationships with one another also require a willingness to be present with the discomfort those differences can reveal. When two or more people sit and witness one another in their messy wholeness, relationships and authentic connections emerge almost naturally.
Unfortunately, there are not many spaces that cultivate a space that is rooted, safe, and open to this non-judgmental witnessing.
Rarely are we cultivating spaces of deep connection to others.
At Vibrant Systems, the connection that exists to ourselves, our environments, and others is the first step towards a vibrant, collective future. Cultivating spaces of connection has required a deep relationship with the earth element and her lessons about presence, rootedness, and safety.
All four elements are rich with wisdom. Together, they can empower you to transform your life.
While the element of Earth starts us on our journey, reminding us how we can root to expand our capacity, the journey does not stop there. Water guides us through the flow and cleansing of our emotions. Air teaches us to claim the stories that belong to us. Fire connects us to our passion and creative power.
Altogether, the four elements guide us through the process of transformation and manifestation of our authentic abundance. Walk this path with Vibrant Systems in the video course, Elements of Self. Through 6 modules, we work with each element to embody connection to our deepest and most authentic self.
Once we are deeply connected to ourselves, we are empowered to deepen our connection and live in relationship with others.
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