It was another Monday morning at the office. Typically, these mornings felt heavy, dragging along with a sense of routine gloom. But today was different. Seated in my cabin, I found myself gazing out of the large window, captivated by the world beyond.
The scene outside felt serene, almost magical. The sunlight filtered softly through the trees, dancing on the leaves as the gentle breeze swayed them. Birds flitted from branch to branch, their cooing and chattering creating a melody that resonated with the calmness within me. Faint, distant voices of people reached my ears, but they seemed inconsequential, melting into the background of this natural harmony.
For a fleeting moment, I wished I could transform into one of those birds, flying freely through the trees, unbound by walls or obligations. As I watched, a thought struck me - a humbling realization of how vast and boundless nature truly is. It is above all else, a divine force that nurtures and sustains everything.
Nature's essence lies in its five fundamental elements: air, water, soil, fire, and sky. These elements are not just the building blocks of the world but also the foundation of human life. We are not separate from them; we are an intricate part of their balance.
The human body, a marvel of creation, is itself a composition of these elements. About 70% of it is water, 12% is earth, 6% is air, 4% is fire, and the remainder is akasha, or the etheric space. Our existence thrives on the interplay of these elements, their cooperation making life possible. But while being human is a gift, it is also a responsibility - one that requires us to use this mechanism of life as a gateway to possibilities, not as a barrier.
Among the elements, water is the easiest to balance - just drink enough to sustain and nourish the body. Air comes next, its rhythm easily managed by being mindful of breathing. Fire, a powerful element, can transform life when harnessed wisely, though regular routines seldom require this mastery. The fifth element, akasha, opens doors to dimensions beyond the ordinary, reserved for those who seek deeper exploration. For most, mastering the first four elements is enough to live a life of health and harmony.
When we align ourselves with these elements, the boundaries we perceive - between body and world, internal and external - begin to dissolve. After all, water, air, and food are in constant exchange with our bodies, blurring the lines between what is "us" and what is "outside." These boundaries are only for psychological comfort, nothing more.
To achieve this alignment, one must simply pay attention - to the breath we take, the water we drink, the food we consume, and the fire of life within. Practices like yoga help purify and restore balance, enhancing not just physical health but an overall sense of well-being.
Just as I felt myself soaring through these thoughts, connecting with the flow of nature, the shrill ring of the landline on my desk pulled me back. The window's spell was broken, and I was back at my desk, surrounded by papers and tasks. Yet, the calmness lingered, a gentle reminder that even amidst life's chaos, the divinity of nature is always waiting to be embraced - through the window, through a breath, or through a sip of water.