Heart-Centered Healing Through The Elements

Recently, I signed up for a 5-week heart-centered healing through the elements series and it was amazing. When I signed up, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I felt a strong calling to participate. I am so thankful I listened... 

FIRE- Our first Saturday a group of 13 amazing women gathered around a fire. I was so moved by an overwhelming feeling of calmness I began to think I was doing it all wrong. Fire is a powerful force that connects us to our ancestry. To me fire can be scary, intimidating, and watching it dance in front of me awakens and stokes the fire within myself. It reminds me to connect to all the people that came before me because without them, I wouldn’t be here. It begs me to live my life in alignment, in balance with my purpose. 

WATER- Our second Saturday a group of 15 strong women gathered along the banks of the Mississippi River. What a beautiful ritual. The water definitely responded to the energy of the women that day as the waves were drawn to the edge, all while a bald eagle soared above. Water symbolizes freedom, life, and motion. I have always naturally been drawn to Water as it always seems to soothe me, bring clarity, and breathes life into me. Again, I felt completely at peace and there was a stillness deep within me. The thought crossed my mind, yet again, I am not sure I am doing this right. It felt refreshing to feed the water with milk, honey, and gin— releasing my frustrations, doubts and fears and asking to be filled with trust and belief in myself and my purpose. 

EARTH- Our third Saturday, 13 women once again gathered to participate in a meditation, offering and Earth ritual. Often times I struggle with the feeling of disconnect and I strive for a sense of grounding, belonging. This day came with perfect timing for me. Placing my feet in fresh turned up soil, lying on my back in an open field, moon above me and the sun to the right of me, butterflies flying, birds soaring, an Eagle looking upon me, I couldn’t help but feel connected, grounded, belonging to this amazing Earth. The smell of fresh air, the sounds of nature all around me, it was absolutely perfect. I realized in this moment the amount of gratitude I have for my life. I realized in this moment that I never have to go far in order to find a place where I am supported, comforted and empowered. Unconditional connection right there (Earth) and she gives freely what I so often search for. 

“Land, then, is not merely soil; it is a fountain of energy flowing through a circuit of souls, plants and animals.” -Aldo Leopold

MINERAL- Our fourth Saturday, 20 women, most powerful healing ceremony for me thus far! The Earth feeds us. This is where we can find balance. It is the interconnection of people and Earth connect: land, air, humans; adapting and moving. Interconnected systems: simplistic and complex. After the ceremony I felt thirsty and my voice was raspy. I also felt a little dizzy and my vision was blurred- I had to close my eyes for awhile before my vision was clear again. I also found it very emotional and released it with tears. Mineral is the element that aids us in our communications. Starting with the communication in which we have with ourselves. This is our inner voice or our innate wisdom, which many of us have trained ourselves to doubt it, quiet it, not engage with it.

The element mineral is also about remembering; remembering who we truly are and seeing our purpose. This is something I have been working on for quite some time now, so this particular ceremony was quite powerful for me. I was able to really tap into who I am, get clear on my purpose, allow myself to engage in a personal inner conversation with my true self. 

KINSTONE- NATURE- Our fifth and final gathering, I experienced mixed emotions. 16 women gathering in nature at one of the most beautiful places in our area, at Kinstone, and I am forever changed. I signed up for this healing series out of curiosity and me merely listening to my inner voice that told me to. Admittedly, I was a little nervous as I had no idea what to expect and was uncertain this would really be something I would benefit from. I am so happy I listened to my intuition because I gained so much more than anything I would have thought possible. I gained an understanding of just how connected and dependent I am of nature. The nature rituals uncovered and healed me from within. I allowed myself to be vulnerable and honest with myself and nature. I removed and set my mask down and exposed my true self; it was healing, empowering and invigorating. I listened to all the messages nature was bringing me. I intuitively knew exactly what to do with the messages. In doing this, I found it easier to breathe, move, love, trust, listen, accept, relax. My mind, body and spirit are calm, knowing and aligned. I shared these experiences with strangers that became friends. Sharing sacred spaces and energy with these women was an experience I cannot yet articulate. For the first time, I am ok with not being able to articulate it. I am allowing myself to feel and process the experience and I trust that in time and at the right moment the words will come. Overall, I have gained a better understanding of myself; a greater understanding, knowledge and respect for nature and the space in which I inhabit. A connection so deep to nature and to my ancestors who came before me. 

I encourage everyone to connect with nature and accept all the lessons it has to offer. This experience has been transformational at such a pivotal time of my life. If you are feeling troubled, uncertain, searching for something, I suggest you think about connecting with nature to discover whatever you are needing or wanting. Settle in, be still, quiet your mind. Allow yourself to be open and vulnerable in nature and healing will occur. 

A very special thank you to Erica Thibodeaux for creating this opportunity for us all to gather in a heart-centered healing through the elements. This process definitely touched more than just the participants that attended. It has touched the other people in our lives, it touched the locations in which we performed our rituals, it also touched our ancestors. The ripple affect stretched out far and wide and our world is a better place because of it.

Much love,

h