Within the LFC community we commonly discuss the 5 elements of life; earth, water, fire, air, and ether (space). In order to live in harmony, we must align these elements within and around us. Meaning, we must adjust our behaviors, habits, and surroundings to make sure we are living in peace.

Becoming aware and dissolving imbalances in the five elements can help us experience alignment in body, heart, mind and soul. When these energies are in balance, we experience health and well-being. When they are out of balance, we take on an array of physical, emotional and spiritual disharmony. These imbalances naturally occur within and around us. It is up to us to put in the time and energy into making sure things are at peace.

Utilizing Earth
Today we will be discussing the element of earth. Earth is our grounding element and reflects stabilization within our lives. When we are in need of grounding, it means we are lacking the element of earth or a sense of stability. We can utilize the earth element to ground ourselves and bring any of the other four elements back down to a sense of peace.

To “stay grounded” means that you have the ability to stay calm and connected to the core of who you are in the face of uncertainty. It means that you aren't controlled by the chaos externally but rather your values, purpose and the vision you have predetermined for your life.

Signs you may need to ground yourself:

Imbalance with air: Are you having constant circling thoughts? Do you feel like you are being overcritical or judgmental to yourself or others?

Imbalance with fire: Are you in constant motion? Do you feel like you constantly going, going, going and are reaching a feeling of burn out? Do you feel angry, tired, frustrated or resentful?

Imbalance with water: Do you feel very attached to something or someone and need to find the courage to let go?

Imbalance with ether: Do you feel as though you have a lot of ideas but can not seem to put things into action?

Which of these imbalances resonates with you? Think about all you have been experiencing in life. It may be an imbalance with one element or it could also be a mix of a few. When we use earth to ground ourselves we bring these elements back into harmony. Now, here are some ways we can do this.

Grounding

1. Eat root vegetables. Eating more root vegetables will help us feel stabilized and centered. Here are a few: Yams, beets, parsnips, turnips, rutabagas, carrots, yuca, kohlrabi, onions, garlic, celery root (or celeriac), horseradish, daikon, turmeric, jicama, Jerusalem artichokes, radishes, ginger, etc.
2. Practice earthing. This is when we connect our physical body with the earth. When we come in contact with the ground, the negative charge of the Earth stabilizes our body’s electrical field. Try meditating while sitting in the grass of your backyard, walk barefoot on the beach, get gardening and get your hands in the soil, take a nap in a park, walk, dance, or stand outside barefoot.
3. Use essential oils. Use Grounding or Valor oils on your body, in a bath or foot bath or in a diffuser. These two oils will help you find your inner strength and bring you a sense of stability.
4. Practice deep breathing. Take a moment to practice deep breathing in order to center yourself. Take deep inhalations through the stomach, filling it up with air. Hold at the top for 3-4 seconds and slowly release. Every time you need to bring yourself to a grounding state. Practice this kind of deep breathing for a few minutes.

Try to implement practices of grounding into your daily rituals. Don't make it too complicated. Just a small addition such as standing on the grass for 5 minutes a day can bring you a sense of stability that will ripple through your life. Make it practical and make it simple.

"I am grounded. My spirit is grounded deep in the earth. I am calm, strong, centered and peaceful. I am able to let go of fear and trust that I am eternally safe. I am worthy of all things beautiful." - Carly Marie