Week 2 - Water
Reading Goal: Read and share your thoughts and questions on the Water chapter of the book
Extra Credit: Do the exercises at the end of the chapter and listen to Episode 2 of the Elemental Yin Yang Podcast
In this section of the book we take a deeper look at how the Water element plays an important role in nature, our bodies and the qualities of people who have Water as their primary element of influence.
In the Elemental Yin Yang system, Water is concerned with the important resources and potential we have in this life and how we use those precious gifts.
While so many of us get caught up in the "flow" of daily life, Water practice make us more aware of the direction of that flow and give us the opportunity to consider if we are living in alignment with our life purpose or potential or if we have been taken by the current of the status quo and need to use our time, energy and Will to swim upstream and towards our goals.
The emotion most connected to Water is fear.
Fear is a primal human emotion and in a situation where we are threatened, fear can be the prompt we need to run or fight our way out. However, most of us at different moments in our lives will experience fear when there is no threat.
You may experience paralyzing fear the moment before walking on stage to give a keynote address, or when you realize you are in a relationship that is moving from casual to serious.
You may experience fear when sitting down to write your first song, or book or applying for a better job.
Fear can be seen as an ally that keeps us safe or an enemy that holds us back depending on our relationship with it.
One of the most empowering techniques I have heard described in dealing with fear that holds you back can be found in this podcast by Brooke Castillo. If you are the type of person who gives fear too much airtime you should check this out.
One of the jewels of Water is wisdom.
In the book I share a story about one watery encounter I had the first time I went scuba diving. No amount of preparation could help to talk me out of the fear I experienced those first few minutes of the dive. It didn't matter how many people told me it was wonderful or how many articles I had read. Because I didn't have the personal experience I didn't know how it was going to be.
I had to decide to do it despite the fear and gain the personal wisdom of the experience.
This is true of so many things. The knowledge we get from a book or secondhand can be useful, but it can't compare to your firsthand experience and the wisdom you gain from it.
Water Questions and Discussion Ideas
1) Is this element one you personally resonate with? Any questions about the season, theme, organs or constitution?
2) Do you know any people who might be a Water constitution? What qualities make you think so?
3) How are the themes of Water present in your life right now? Where could you use this energy?
4) Try the Water exercise in your yoga practice. Any interesting insights to share?
Share your thoughts on any of these points OR ask questions you have from this section in the comments below.
Photo by: Kendell
