INTRODUCTION
In many cultures around the globe, spiritual guides draw wisdom from the natural world. The Tao is like water; the Holy Spirit is like fire; female deities embody the earth; mythological creatures with wings (phoenix, dragons, angels) are masters of the air. Each element has unique attributes that we may or may not have. It is important to learn which element coincides with who you are (personality) and your gifts. But to be whole and balanced in our learning and growth, it is also important to learn the other elements that we tend to be not so familiar with.
In many cultures around the globe, spiritual guides draw wisdom from the natural world. The Tao is like water; the Holy Spirit is like fire; female deities embody the earth; mythological creatures with wings (phoenix, dragons, angels) are masters of the air. Each element has unique attributes that we may or may not have. It is important to learn which element coincides with who you are (personality) and your gifts. But to be whole and balanced in our learning and growth, it is also important to learn the other elements that we tend to be not so familiar with.
The Four Elements
(by Chaplain Donnel)
Once there was a seeker of wisdom who sought knowledge on what specific actions one must embody to live a good life. This searcher or seeker of wisdom sat with a hermit, an old wise sage, a teacher full of spiritual wisdom.
“It’s easy,” the spiritual master said to the seeker. “Go to each of the four elements (earth, water, fire and air). Listen to what each element will say about what action you need to embody.”
So early the next day the seeker climbed on a solid rock, sat on it, and took a deep breath, and listened to what earth had to say:
“My dear one,” earth says, “Let go of your anxious thoughts, and know that I am always holding and lifting you up. Trust the support of the solid earth underneath you, and allow yourself to put your burdens down. At the same time, stay rooted in fertile dark earth. Be in good relationship with the dirt of the soil, which provides the nutrients that you need to grow, flourish and thrive.”
After receiving the blessing from earth, the seeker sat on a sandy beach facing the largest body of water, the ocean.
Then water spoke to the spiritual seeker: “As you ride the highs and lows of waves of life’s storms, breathe - stay in the present moment. Like the river, go with the flow. Learn to embody fluidity, so you can adapt to the ever-changing circumstances of your life. Hold things lightly. Do less holding on.”
Then at the end of the day, the sun set. The cool evening air came, and the person felt the cool breeze. The air spoke these words: “Embody lightness within you, so you can rise like air. Be at ease, embody freedom. May you be open to receive, yet open to let go.”
Finally, the darkness of night came. The seeker of wisdom gathered some wood and built a fire. The light of the fire said: “Do that which kindles love in you. Move towards your inner fire, your sacred purpose, your passion, your bliss. Let my light provide you with clarity and guidance in what you do. And remember that through love, fire is pleasing light.”
The four elements spoke together to the seeker: “Integrate the wisdom of all of the four elements. 1. Stay rooted; Trust the solid ground beneath you . 2. Learn to flow like water. 3. Like air, instill in yourself lightness and freedom. 4. Kindle the fire of love within you, and spread the light."
(by Chaplain Donnel)
Once there was a seeker of wisdom who sought knowledge on what specific actions one must embody to live a good life. This searcher or seeker of wisdom sat with a hermit, an old wise sage, a teacher full of spiritual wisdom.
“It’s easy,” the spiritual master said to the seeker. “Go to each of the four elements (earth, water, fire and air). Listen to what each element will say about what action you need to embody.”
So early the next day the seeker climbed on a solid rock, sat on it, and took a deep breath, and listened to what earth had to say:
“My dear one,” earth says, “Let go of your anxious thoughts, and know that I am always holding and lifting you up. Trust the support of the solid earth underneath you, and allow yourself to put your burdens down. At the same time, stay rooted in fertile dark earth. Be in good relationship with the dirt of the soil, which provides the nutrients that you need to grow, flourish and thrive.”
After receiving the blessing from earth, the seeker sat on a sandy beach facing the largest body of water, the ocean.
Then water spoke to the spiritual seeker: “As you ride the highs and lows of waves of life’s storms, breathe - stay in the present moment. Like the river, go with the flow. Learn to embody fluidity, so you can adapt to the ever-changing circumstances of your life. Hold things lightly. Do less holding on.”
Then at the end of the day, the sun set. The cool evening air came, and the person felt the cool breeze. The air spoke these words: “Embody lightness within you, so you can rise like air. Be at ease, embody freedom. May you be open to receive, yet open to let go.”
Finally, the darkness of night came. The seeker of wisdom gathered some wood and built a fire. The light of the fire said: “Do that which kindles love in you. Move towards your inner fire, your sacred purpose, your passion, your bliss. Let my light provide you with clarity and guidance in what you do. And remember that through love, fire is pleasing light.”
The four elements spoke together to the seeker: “Integrate the wisdom of all of the four elements. 1. Stay rooted; Trust the solid ground beneath you . 2. Learn to flow like water. 3. Like air, instill in yourself lightness and freedom. 4. Kindle the fire of love within you, and spread the light."
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What did you find to be the most important part of the story? What resonated with you?
- What experiences have you had that is close to this story?
- Where do you find yourself in this story? Which part of the story is about you?
- What element(s) are you most natural or gifted at? Which elements(s) do you need to learn from so you can have balance and thrive?
Guide for Facilitators of Spiritual Care Support Groups
Practice Spirit Play storytelling:
- STORY MATERIALS
- VIDEO
- SCRIPT
