Optimum health and vitality, ample energy and a sense of well-being are what we all hope to enjoy in our lives. Most people, though, find this reality of whole health can be a little elusive at times. Nature provides us with all that we need to keep ourselves in good health and to maintain effective natural defences against ill-health. Of course, being in touch with nature is not just about walking outdoors for a while each day. We can effectively harness the power and energy of the elements in magical and profound ways to help us bring alive every aspect of our true, multi-dimensional selves.

The elements are present in every aspect of our lives, both in fact, and in the symbols they represent for us. In reality, our body is made up of the same elemental factors as the rest of this planet, and its balance, like that of our world is what constitutes full health.

Imagine if the fire from the sun shone a little brighter, raising the temperature of the planet by just 10 degrees – life as we know it would simply not exist. Similarly in the body, when our inner fire is burning too high, and our temperature is raised, we face extinction.

If there was 20% more land surface water in this world, our physical form would be considerably different because we would be living under the sea. When we hold excess water in the body we completely change the position, constitution and feeling of our inner environment, and the effects can be just as substantial.

Finding and maintaining a balance between our inner elements is a part of our healthcare in which we may become consciously involved. A regular contact with the natural world allows us to be reminded of this inner balance, and will go a long way towards ensuring that any insufficiencies are met, quite naturally, and any excesses can be safely expressed. Spending time in nature reminds us of who we are, quite literally. It also heals us in a very direct and simple way – most of us experience this for ourselves quite often when we take an evening walk in order to clear a muggy head, or feel the need to take off for a day in the countryside.

Gazing across a natural landscape with its soft lines and gentle edges, colours and shapes does something that is quite unknown in a cityscape. Feeling the touch of the wind on your skin, being able to walk on the soft earth, hearing the sounds of running water, and of the animals and creatures that we share this planet with; absorbing the energy of the sun as it reaches deep down inside us to warm and strengthen our bones; sniffing the scent of wild flowers, shrubs and trees as they are carried on the wind like an unexpected gift for the senses; all of these experiences play a part in maintaining our equilibrium and feelings of being alive.

Nature heals us with a touch as soft and gentle as a lover, and does so with a love so unconditional and with which we have such an affinity that we often do not even recognise it.

Water heals us in so many ways. It is a wonderful way to carry remedies into the body, and nobody would dispute the total benefits of a long soak in a warm bath. Standing in the first gentle rain after a long spell of hot weather, or walking out into it after being too long indoors, or even just seeing how our plants grow right in front of our eyes when they take a long drink of rainwater – these all speak to the rejeuvenative qualities of water. It is also a symbol for the strength and generosity of our emotional world. We can use it to represent cleansing, and also as the well-spring of our physical and creative energy.

The element of fire is so present in our lives every day. It symbolises so much for us, from the strength and combustive, transformative ability of our digestive fire, to the passionate and often mercurial nature of our sexual desire. In mythology, Prometheus carried fire from the gods, bringing with it wisdom.

Air is all around us all of the time, touching every part of us at any one time – gently embracing our skin, and filling our body with each new breath. Air can represent for us the mind, and the wonderful role that can plan in our ongoing health.

The element of earth is represented all around us in the soil. It is the medium for growth, both of the body and in the ground. A regular contact with the earth is important for full health, and this can be achieved by simply spending time out of doors, walking on the earth, or communing with it more actively through gardening and growing things.

This is an extract from her book Nature Cure. It is available in your local bookshop/health food shop, or direct from the author. Contact Belinda at:
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