The following words follow a simple practice of self-grounding, which brings attention to each of the four elements and acknowledges their role in supporting us, and in turn the responsibility we have to use them responsibly.

The exercise reminds us about appreciation, our connectedness and provides a sense of place. It draws on ancient spirituality from around the world, without being anchored in any specific belief system, and which we think makes it accessible and adoptable by all. At the same time, the strong, fundamental sentiments throughout the words will resonate with all.

This is a passage that can be read solo, or to a group, at any time, whether a significant event or not.
The wording can be adapted to suit the situation, as follows.

The Setting

We recommend to conduct this exercise outdoors, but it is not absolutely necessary. Acknowledgement of the four fundamental elements is the significance.

• The ground is whatever is underneath your feet.
• The fire may be a candle, campfire, stove, or even an electric light.
• The water may be a warm or cold drink, but could also be a lake, puddle, or central bowl.
• The air may be outdoors and moving or indoors and still, but is all the same.

This exercise can be around 15 minutes at shortest, and can be 30 minutes or more at a slower pace with more time for reflection.

To Be Read Aloud, or Quiet, on your Own or Leading a Group.

Sit with a warm or cold mug of a drink, by a campfire, outdoors.

Be quiet for a moment. Close your eyes, or not as you wish.... pause, sit and listen.
Breathe in, 2, 3, 4.... and slowly breathe out, noticing the warm breath in your nose. Do the same again, feeling the cold air coming in....... and the warmer air when you exhale.
You are a part of the cycles of the natural world. We all breathe together.

Sit on or reach and place your hand or fingers on the ground - bare earth, sand or grass. This is my ground, stable and supportive. I reach out and feel it, to remind myself of where I came from, what I am fed by, and to where I will return. This ground is firm, and unchanging, yet I may dig and shape it. I may plant seeds in it, creating new life. I may use its plants to make tools and resources to sustain me, yet I must share it responsibly. As I sit, I feel the solidity of the ground below me. This is my earth.

Look up at the fire, the dancing flames or glowing embers. Reach out and feel the warmth radiating towards you. This is my fire, which I maintain, such that it may keep me warm and comfortable. This fire began as a spark, which I nurtured, with gathered fuel. It will ultimately die back, as is the circle of nature. This fire is chaotic, flickering and changing continuously, yet can be used to prepare food, tools, and for our safety, such as making water safe. I must respect my fire, and its origins, and am grateful for it.

Look above you, and around you. Feel the breeze, look at the sky. Notice passing movements of plants or birds. This is the air that we need to breathe. It is clear and often forgotten! Notice the air you breathe in and out. The plants and animals and rest of humankind breathe with us, we share the same air, and support each other. The sky above is the same looked upon by the ancients - it has always been there, the stars, the sun, the clouds. What we see changes, yet returns. This is the sky and air around us, connecting us all.

Feel this mug, crafted for you to contain liquid. This is your water, originating in the clouds and the streams, which has been collected and cleansed, such that you may drink. Water in all its forms sustains us. It purifies our bodies, inside and out, and keeps our bodies functioning. We must also maintain nature's water, and not be greedy or wasteful with it. From the clouds, to streams, to sea. Without water, life does not continue. This is my water.

Close your eyes again, and listen.. smell... feel. The earth, the fire, the air, the water, and all things in combination, connecting all things in this world. Be aware and conscious of these four elements around us, and the role they play in what we have. Rekindle your awareness and appreciation, and promise to respect them. They will sustain you.

Pause for a moment more, in quiet, reaching out again to the ground. This is your base, from which everything else begins. It is always there for you. Reach out in future times, to remind yourself of your rich fundamental.

When you feel ready, open your eyes, stretch, return to the day ahead. You are reconnected and aware again. Empowered to do what you need.

🙏🌱

Extension

• Continue sitting around the fire, refill your mug, enjoy watching the flames in continued solace or gentle conversation.
• Discuss with those around you what you felt, and whether whilst focussing on each element you felt any was a priority.
• Continue the reflection activities on specific elements (for a further article!).
• Toast marshmallows or other fireside snacks.