Episode 19: The Element of Air
In Episode 19 of the Nature Therapy Online podcast, we contemplate—and meditate on—the element of air together. Click on the slim black player above to listen.
In this episode of the ecotherapy radio show, I slow down a little and talk about the air we breathe. How often do you think about the air around you? How often do you stop to consider how the wind feels blowing against your ear, how reliable it is for a flying animal, and how is keeps us alive every second that we breathe?
If you’re anything like me, you probably take it for granted every day. In this episode, as an ecotherapy exercise I invite you to spend a little time giving air all of your attention, even if you’re at home. I then offer some invitations that you can take outside with you on a refreshing walk, keeping this amazing element as your focus for the entire time.
As both a tarot reader and a Buddhist, the concepts of air, earth, fire and water being fundamental to our existence are central to both practises. Obviously, we can’t live without any of these elements! However, from a spiritual angle, the way that they represent our human traits is fascinating. In tarot, for example, the element of air represents the mind; mental power and thought. When swords (which represent air) show up in a tarot reading, you are being asked to reflect on how your thoughts are impacting on the situation, rather than (for example) your emotions (which are represented by the element of water/cups).
Rather ironically then, in this episode of Nature Therapy Online I am proposing focussing on the element of air as the very thing that can give us some freedom from our thoughts! The endless chatter that goes on in our brain boxes can take us away from the reality of nature. The simple act of taking a few focussed deep breaths can be enough to clear our mind and help us to re-boot with some calm.
I do hope that you find this episode refreshing folks. Wherever you are, try to give some attention to the breeze or wind blowing near you, and remember to acknowledge what the air is doing for you!
Green smiles,
Stephen x
