#4 elements of nature earth series

To help children integrate these ideas, I guide them through this visualization: The element of space helps us relate to something greater and allows us to feel connected to all that is. Tuning in to the infinite nature of the Universe through stillness and deep rest helps us to become more aware of space. Space is wherever earth, water, fire, and air are not. The response is often another puzzled look from the children. The air element fills us with inspiration, imagination, and a sense of awe. Many of the bird poses in yoga, and “taking flight” after holding a pose, invite children to explore the element of air. Air moves in and out of our lungs and also throughout our entire body into every cell in the form of oxygen.īreathing exercises heighten our awareness of the air element. “That’s why my mom said she needed to burn more fat.” “Oh,” said one seven-year-old girl as her face lit up. We talk about calories as a measurement of heat and “burning” food. I am careful to tell them that there is not really a flame in their belly like a candle burning, but there is heat. Twists also access the “fire in the belly.” The fire element sparks motivation, focus, and the will to act.Ĭhildren are fascinated to learn about the fire element within them. What keeps it this warm? Poses that “burn,” like strong abdominal strengthening poses, help build fire energy. What temperature is our body? 98.6 degrees. Children are taught of the dangers of fire and to keep away from it, so how could it be in your own body? I ask them to put their hands on their tummy.

The response to this question is often a puzzled look. Flowing from one pose to another helps us to relate to the water element in the body.įor children experiencing anxiety, it is helpful to talk about the water element in terms of being “frozen.” Movement can help melt the places in our mind and our body that feel frozen, allowing us to flow freely.įire: Where is fire in your body? Is there actually a flame in your body? Where does your body feel hot? The element of water allows us to flow through life, to move, and to create. Seventy percent of our body is made up of water, just as 70% of the earth’s surface is water. Water: Where is water in your body? What is flowing in you?Ĭhildren quickly respond to this one: blood! Yes, and many other fluids that flow through our body. As children develop, it is important for them to feel this connection and stability. Until we touch ground, we don’t have anything to push against to expand. It’s like kicking off from the bottom of the pool. It is from the solid earth that we can rebound and expand in all directions. We practice standing poses to support the earth element in our body. Our bones and muscles give us the support we need to be stable and also to move freely. Earth has a supportive quality to it, which is why we call it “Mother Earth.” The dirt supports the trees and makes up the mountains. They eagerly ponder which parts of the body are like earth and how there may be fire in the body.Įarth: Where is earth in your body? What parts of your body are strong, solid, and stable and hold you like your mother? Children are fascinated by the different elements.

#4 elements of nature earth series

We may focus on one element in each class over a series of classes, or I may just run through the elements and ask kids where they think each element exists in the body. The elements are a common theme in my children’s yoga classes. The natural world invites us to be who we really are without any worry or concern. We resonate with this truth and breathe a sigh of relief. Rivers don’t question which way to go next. Trees don’t feel self-conscious about what they are, or are not, doing. Spending time in nature is soothing because it is the truth. It can give them a greater appreciation for who they are and their part in the natural world that surrounds them. Understanding and experiencing these elements can help children be more aware of and present in their bodies. Our bodies are made up of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space.