Elemental
Balancing is based on the premise that the way we interact with
our environment, and each other, is based on the interplay of
four basic primary energies. These energy patterns are the same
ones that have been attributed to everything from our astrological
signs to the base archetypes of Jungian psychology. These energies
have been known for a long time. As far back as Classical Greek
times, they were categorized and their expressions defined in
terms of the four Elements – Air, Water, Fire, and Earth.
Each
of these energies must find expression in our lives. Each of
them nurtures, or guides, aspects of our personality and human
interrelations. When they are in balance, our spirit soars,
and we are able to function at our maximum ability. This increases
our chances of living happy lives. It doesn’t guarantee
that our lives will be free of stress or difficulty. It merely
means that when trouble rears its head, we can bring the full
brunt of our abilities against it with confidence, increasing
our chance of overcoming it.
Each
of these energies is linked to a particular part of our make
up. They affect us singly, and in their interactions with each
other. The interplay of these forces can create very complex
forms. The subtleties of this interplay are beyond the scope
of this article. However, anyone who doubts that four elements
can create complexity, remember that our DNA, and that of all
life on Earth, is compiled in sequences of genes that are all
made up of combinations drawn from four nucleotides. If you
can acknowledge the difference between a tiger, a sperm whale,
and a rattlesnake, you acknowledge the power in the combination
of four.
The
energies balance along two axes. Fire primarily balances Water.
Air primarily balances Earth. An interesting way to visualize
this is as two teeter-totters set at right angles to each other,
forming a cross. When a personality is in balance, each of these
teeter-totters is nearly level on its own axis. Now, imagine
further that you placed beams of wood of equal length on each
end of the teeter totters so that they angled inwards and formed
a pyramid.
When
the energies are in balance, the ends of all these beams would
form a small stable base at the top. This is where “spirit”
sits. When our energies are in balance, it is easier for us
to reach to spirit and thus be in contact with our higher selves.
When our energies are seriously out of whack, spirit is having
a hard enough time just staying on its seat. As a result, spirit
isn’t of as much assistance to us as it should.
Speaking
of four archetypal energies is wonderful however, it is harder
to teach one how to relate to and measure them in a clear and
practical manner. Without such an understanding, there is no
way for us to alter our balance and improve ourselves. These
energies have to be reduced and simplified to a level that we
can readily work with. One has to be able to identify what energies
are most strongly at work in their lives and personalities before
one can determine if they are out of balance. There has to be
a way to feel the effect of the rise and fall of each energy
so that there can be feedback to any of the changes that are
induced.
Once
there is a system in place for measuring the prominence of an
energy, it’s balance in relation to the other elements,
and means for altering that balance, then Elemental Balancing
becomes a tool to foster positive change and growth.
