Basic Elements

At time there are very specific changes or therapies that may mean a world of difference in dealing with an illness, crisis or transformation. In general though, it is of greater significance to realize that to make big changes in your life it is helpful to choose areas of your life which have the greatest impact upon your health. A simple rule of thumb is to look at what occupies the greatest amount of time and energy in your life.

Exploring the four basic elements taught by most tribal cultures is one way of looking at these essential aspects of our lives. Here are choices you can make in each of these areas.

Air

Optimizing the way we breath is possibly one of the most powerful ways to invest in creating change.

• You can limit toxic challenges to your lungs by reducing the number of chemicals in your home and work.
• You can avoid smoking and second hand smoke.
• You can limit foods which are mucus producer that may infere with breathing such as dairy.
• You can practice neti pot (an ayurvedic nasal cleansing technique).
• You can utilize diaphramic breathing to maximize oxygen intake.

Fire

Movement ignites your metabolism. By increasing your activity you can raise your metabolism to experience your body at a more vigorous pace.

• You can choose to participate more than spectate.
• You can incorporate your whole body in movement such as walking or lifting.
• You can stand to do activities such as talking on the phone.
• You can let yourself exercise and move in more playful and dance-like ways.

Water

Since our bodies are mostly water, the quality and quantity of water that is consumed is a major influence on you.

• You can drink filtered water which eliminates toxic chemical challenges like chlorine or lead.
• You can carry water with you at all time which will make it easy for water to be your first beverage choice.
• You can eat foods which have a high water content such as fruits and vegetables.
• You can increase your water intake anytime you need to cleanse your body (during colds, when consuming alcohol or processed foods, etc.).

Earth

Eating is a big part of our lives. Improving the nutritional value of how and what we eat and cook can not help but impact us in major ways.

• You can eat simple, whole foods which are rich in nutrients and enzymes that aid with digestion.
• You can eat organic foods which limit the complex challenges to the body from additives, pesticides and preservatives.
• You can recognize caffeine, processed sugars and alcohol as drugs and use them with caution.
• You can realize that you are what you eat and choose accordingly.

Other high impact areas which invite maxim change include.

• The amount and quality of your sleep.
• How you think and structure your belief systems.
• The quality of your relationships with others.
• How you contribute to the welfare of your community.
• Time you invest in relaxation and play.

Allowing yourself to focus on the basics can energize you for great change in your life. Enjoy !