Be Still with the Element of Fixed Water

I am still…

The middle of October can only mean one thing: FALL!  We begin our understanding with the four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter), which serve as our foundation for understanding the world around us. Then there are the 3 modes: Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable, which represent the beginning, middle, and end of each season. Finally, we want to add in the four elements: Fire , Earth , Air , and Water .  The elements help us to understand what energy that portion of the season is going to present to us.

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Today I want to focus on the Element of Fixed Water .  Let’s break it down, we are in the middle of the fall season and talking about the water element. In many cultures throughout history, the element of water has been used to represent our emotions. Simply put, without it, life as we know it would not be possible. It’s the one thing that all living creatures have in common. This season runs from October 23rd through November 21st.. The air has gone from just being cooler to having a crispness that gives you goosebumps.  Which in the Northern Hemisphere means Winter is right around the corner.

The still waters encourage us to be just that, still.  Wanting us to slow down and listen for what lies beneath the surface. Far too often we don’t take the time to slow down and just listen. There are so many distractions in life, especially now. I personally feel like I am constantly connected to a screen. I’m either watching TV or I’m looking at my phone. And when that’s not what I’m doing, you can find me on my computer designing something, writing something, emailing something, looking for something, and so on.  If we are being honest, I’m sure most of you can relate…

More lately, though, I’ve been noticing that it’s been having an effect on how I think and feel.  I’ve been having trouble falling asleep due to an overactive mind.  There is no silence, especially if you do not take the time to create it. It’s time for introspection. Make an effort to quiet yourself and listen in silence for the sake of connecting with both yourself and your environment. What do you really want out of this crazy thing we call life? As I mentioned before, water is a symbol of our emotions and there is something super powerful about being in touch with your emotions.  One of the most challenging aspects of learning how to listen is being still enough to hear what your body, mind, and soul are trying to tell you.

It’s important to remember to take pleasure in the creative process, regardless of what it is that you’re creating. If it’s a home and/or family that you’re creating, I encourage you to carve out some time for silence. Even if all you do is just stand in the shower, make an effort to feel the water with as much openness and awareness as possible. Take notice of how the water washes over you as it cleanses you.  If you really want to take it to the next level, take a bath and enjoy the silence as you relax in the still waters. You can take a walk outside and feel the sensation of the fresh air brushing against your skin as the sun warms your face.  Whatever it is you choose to do, be mindful!  If your career is the skill that you are creating, make sure you are giving yourself enough time to eat without being compelled to check your phone. You’re taking a “break.” So relax. You have the right to remain silent.

This time of year urges you to do just that. It’s time to refuel, to reset, and reflect. In only a few minutes every day, you can make a huge difference! I strongly encourage you to make an effort to carve out those few minutes on a daily basis. Be mindful. Take a load off and unwind. Spend some time alone with yourself and your ideas. The happy, the sad, the exhausted, the hungry, feel it all!  Make the most out of these opportunities. They are like the weather in that they are always changing and ultimately disappearing.  Enjoy the peace and quiet for what it is.  Take a minute to reflect on how grateful you are to be here in this moment. 

When it comes to answering many important life questions, Knowledge is Power. The more you know, the more power you have. It’s true that we have access to a wealth of information, at our fingertips, at any given moment, thanks to the internet, our social networks, and the advice of those closest to us.

However, the key to our success is having a wise mind.  The cultivation of wisdom is the most important factor in our growth. We want to know everything, have a deep understanding of everything and experience everything to the fullest.  Well, start with getting to know and understanding yourself first because, contrary to popular belief, you can’t run away from yourself.  Despite your best efforts, and even with all of the distractions, misunderstandings, and everything else that causes you to become sidetracked. The struggle is real. I get it. I’m going through the same seasons that you are. The key is to seek out the stillness.

The Fixed Water Element helps us focus on finding the beauty in what lies beneath the surface. As I’ve said before, it doesn’t matter what brought you here. To get the most out of these Educational Offerings, I’m not asking you to share your deepest or darkest secrets. I’m just telling you to figure out how to work with them. Your secrets, as always, are safe with you.

Life is multiple trips around the sun, and working with the elements has definitely changed the way I travel.  If you want to learn more about more about how working with the elements can help you in designing your own unique path, please visit www.braggindesign.com for a one-of-a-kind approach to self-care that will have you Nurturing Yourself with Nature in no time!

Let this trip around the sun serve as an inspiration for your own personal journey. 

You’ve arrived. 

It’s okay to take care of yourself!

SELINA BRAGG-PASTIAN

Selina Bragg-Pastian: I became a student of the Arts in my childhood. A student of the cosmos in my teens. An educator of nutrition in my 20’s. An educator of the arts in my 30’s. A Kundalini Reiki practitioner in my 40’s. I am a lifelong learner. Newly discovering that all the while I have been cultivating my path. Combining all of my past teachings of Art, Nutrition, the Stars and Energy Work to create a self-care offering that uses nature as a modality. A realization that truly helped me reconnect to Nature and learn to Nurture myself.

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