Day 256 of 365 - The Missing Element - Part One
Different cultures have observed the influence of earth's elements over time as a way of being in an observer role, looking at the big picture. We live in the context of the four elements of water, air, earth and fire and we are also each made up of them. When they are out of balance, we experience discomfort and pain in our lives.
Astrologer and psychotherapist Debra Silverman wrote a very interesting book called The Missing Element, to explore the elements as aspects of our personality. She sees it as a learning opportunity to be able to develop our own observer role about ourselves, to see ourselves from a wise and compassionate perspective. Related to this is also being aware of the elements of your personality and whether they are in balance.
One of Silverman's unique perspectives is to help people recognize that the personality traits we usually want to get rid of are actually a natural part of us. They can be an indicator of where our elements are out of balance but deserve compassionate awareness rather than judgment.
Life wants us to learn and grow. We can pay attention to the little nudges we get over time or we can be awakened to growth through the pain of a crisis. Our stories of pain can become gifts and lessons. We don't need to change our inherent nature, but we might benefit from rewriting our story and thinking about what life is trying to teach us. There is wisdom to be found from transmuting challenges and pain. Becoming conscious of your own elemental nature and personality type will assist you in becoming aware of the lessons that tend to come your way.
Silverman describes the properties and wisdom of each element in this way: Water - feelings and emotions, the watery womb, the wisdom of silence and trust; Air - intellect, breath and language, the wisdom of wonder and consciousness; Earth - practicality, service, solid and patient, the wisdom of respect and balance; Fire - energy, inspiration, heat and drive, the wisdom of living with conviction.
Here are some examples Silverman gives about the kind of issues we might be experiencing related to the elements: When learning Water, you may keep experiencing depression, mood swings, addiction or sadness. When learning Air, it's hard to make decisions, stay in relationships, or decide what you want to do with your life. When learning Earth, you might get stuck in job, money and security issues. When learning Fire, drama will follow you around.
It is our ego that criticizes and judges the aspects of our personality and behavior that we don't like. It knows what you want and don't want. The inner observer sees you from a more neutral, wise and compassionate perspective. Both the ego and the wise observer want what's best for you. They just come at it from different angles.
Nobody has all the four elements equally developed. There is always a 'missing' element, one that is weaker, and one or two that are effortless and strong. In the next post, we'll explore ways to look at and work with your elemental influences to find more balance.
Astrologer and psychotherapist Debra Silverman wrote a very interesting book called The Missing Element, to explore the elements as aspects of our personality. She sees it as a learning opportunity to be able to develop our own observer role about ourselves, to see ourselves from a wise and compassionate perspective. Related to this is also being aware of the elements of your personality and whether they are in balance.
One of Silverman's unique perspectives is to help people recognize that the personality traits we usually want to get rid of are actually a natural part of us. They can be an indicator of where our elements are out of balance but deserve compassionate awareness rather than judgment.
Life wants us to learn and grow. We can pay attention to the little nudges we get over time or we can be awakened to growth through the pain of a crisis. Our stories of pain can become gifts and lessons. We don't need to change our inherent nature, but we might benefit from rewriting our story and thinking about what life is trying to teach us. There is wisdom to be found from transmuting challenges and pain. Becoming conscious of your own elemental nature and personality type will assist you in becoming aware of the lessons that tend to come your way.
Silverman describes the properties and wisdom of each element in this way: Water - feelings and emotions, the watery womb, the wisdom of silence and trust; Air - intellect, breath and language, the wisdom of wonder and consciousness; Earth - practicality, service, solid and patient, the wisdom of respect and balance; Fire - energy, inspiration, heat and drive, the wisdom of living with conviction.
Here are some examples Silverman gives about the kind of issues we might be experiencing related to the elements: When learning Water, you may keep experiencing depression, mood swings, addiction or sadness. When learning Air, it's hard to make decisions, stay in relationships, or decide what you want to do with your life. When learning Earth, you might get stuck in job, money and security issues. When learning Fire, drama will follow you around.
It is our ego that criticizes and judges the aspects of our personality and behavior that we don't like. It knows what you want and don't want. The inner observer sees you from a more neutral, wise and compassionate perspective. Both the ego and the wise observer want what's best for you. They just come at it from different angles.
Nobody has all the four elements equally developed. There is always a 'missing' element, one that is weaker, and one or two that are effortless and strong. In the next post, we'll explore ways to look at and work with your elemental influences to find more balance.
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