The Five Elements in Magical Sardinia
There is a long-held belief that everything in the universe comes from five elements of nature. They are interconnected, with one creating or destroying another in the circle of life. By understanding and connecting to each of the elements, we can enjoy a more holistic approach to wellness and balance.
The five elements are:
Wood
Fire
Earth
Water
Metal
Each day during our yoga retreat in Sardinia, I introduced one of the five elements. I shared a little information about each element and how it manifests in our daily lives. Our practices mimicked the theme - but what I didn't expect is that our daily activities would do the same. Perhaps that is the power of the elements. I have penned this blog post specifically for my retreat-goers ❤️
Day One: Opening circle
I encouraged each of you to ask yourself what you hoped to get out of our week together. I shared that I love leading retreats for three main reasons: 1) adventure, 2) culture, and perhaps the most important, 3) connection.
"I believe that life is a chaotic jumble of accidents, ambitions, misconceptions, bold intentions, lazy happenstances, and unintended consequences, yet I also believe there are connections that illuminate our world, revealing its endless mystery and wonder." ~ David Maraniss
Day Two: Water
As we gazed toward the sea in our first morning practice, we dove into the Water Element. Our practice was truly about flowing - allowing ourselves to move mindfully and with a sense of freedom.
When the Water Element is out of balance, we may experience fear and anxiety. Sometimes this manifests as a feeling of being stuck. But taking a lesson from water, notice how it flows in and around nooks and crannies - finding its way to open space (like the sea). Similarly, when we need to get 'unstuck' our work is to move around obstacles (no matter how challenging) - and this is how we'll encounter a positive energy and become more alert and thoughtful.
I wanted to start with the Water Element as the theme 'water, water everywhere' would be top of mind since we were venturing out on a catamaran cruise around the Maddelena Islands. What a glorious day! Despite a few clouds, we enjoyed the piercing blue water of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and were even greeted by a friendly wild pig (boar?) as we approached one beach. Sipping drinks, dining on pasta, and soaking in the views - a great way to start our first full day together.
"The idea is that flowing water never goes stale, so just keep on flowing." ~ Bruce Lee
Day Three: Wood
Our second morning practice was about renewal through strength as we focused on the Wood Element. This element allows us to be determined and efficient, but when it's off-kilter, we can become rigid, which leaves us feeling angry or frustrated. Like a tree, we must be able to bend and grow in new ways. So, as we breathed the fresh seaside air, we reached for the sky and opened up in new ways (literally and figuratively).
It just so happened that we were also going on a wonderfully interesting, and at times challenging, hike along the northern coast of Sardinia. The hike around Capo Testa tested our balance and kept us alert throughout. The beauty was unreal and the flowing conversation within our group solidified our connection.
"Wood invites us to take the time to plan and vision before we act and to be willing to flow around obstacles rather than exhausting our resources in a direct assault against them. Whenever possible, the wisdom of Wood counsels flow rather than force, poetry rather than rant and benevolent vision rather than angry attack." ~ Author Unknown
Day Four: Fire
We definitely turned up the dial to FIRE and brought the fun tunes for the morning practice on this day. While Wham! crooned for us to wake them up before we 'go go,' we increased our own heat with sun salutations, abdominal work and so much more. The fire element is strong in me, so I am always happy to teach a fire practice.
The Element of Fire is associated with love and connection. We feel a sense of vitality and passion when the Fire Element burns strong. But when it has died down, so to speak, we may feel rejected or lost, and a wave of sadness can follow.
It was perfect to do a stronger, fire-focused practice on a day we would be spending sitting in a van on our way to the next location. Moving our bodies vigorously is the best way to start any travel day. Another great way to break up a travel day is to stop for a leg stretch...and shop! San Pantaleo was the perfect town to do just that.
“Focus on what lights a fire inside of you and use that passion to fill a white space. Don’t be afraid of the challenges, the missteps, and the setbacks along the way. What matters is that you keep going.” ~ Kendra Scott
Day Five: Earth
We woke up in the mountainous town of Su Gologone - a place many consider to be the heart of Sardinia, Instantly, it felt like someone had embraced us...like a warm mother's hug. Our first practice at the hotel was on a rooftop as the wind flipped the corners of our mats up. It was quite fitting that the theme on this day was the Earth Element as we very much needed to focus on our stability.
When our Earth Element is balanced, we feel grounded and centered. Of course, the opposite of this is a feeling of uncertainty and chaos when this element is lacking. Sometimes all it might take is for a quiet moment where we feel our feet on the ground, and become aware once again that we are supported by Mother Earth...despite the moments when she tests us (like when the wind tried to topple us all over while doing tree pose).
Again, without intentionally planning my theme to match our daily activity, it somehow did! Our nature hike in the mountains took us to Sardinian ruins dating back to 3000 BC, and a rustic lunch prepared by the shepherds. To walk on the same grounds and touch the same stones as people from centuries ago was awe-inspiring and humbling.
"The fairest thing in nature, a flower, still has its roots in earth and manure." ~ D. H. Lawrence
"Flying starts from the ground. The more grounded you are, the higher you fly." ~ J.R. Rim
Day Six: Metal
Our last full retreat day began with another rooftop yoga session, but this time in a different location that tested our mettle as the temperature dropped and the winds picked up. Perhaps, I should really say, it tested our metal as this was the final of the five elements.
The metal element governs our intuition, confidence, and the ability to let go. Without clearing out and surrendering, the element of metal will become out of tune, which can lead to criticism (often of oneself). Many type A personalities align with the metal element and find it challenging when things go awry from what they desire.
During our last rigorous morning practice, we let the wind push us, and set aside any need for perfection. If we attained a pose, or fell out of one, we did so without story or judgment. Our theme continued throughout our daily activity of pasta making as we let go of any expectation that our pasta would look even half as good as our lovely teacher's. And then when some of our hard work landed on the ground right before our eyes, we had to let that go in the most literal sense.
"Letting go does not mean you have given up and it does not mean you no longer care. It just means that you are releasing the attachments of the past that keep getting in the way of your happiness and mental clarity. Letting go is the unbinding and disentangling of old behavior patterns that keep pulling you int unnecessary mental tension and worry. When you can be okay with things not having gone a certain way, life begins again. Making peace with past open you up to love, adventures and allows you to apply the lessons you have learned with a new calmness."~ Yung Pueblo
Closing Circle
Each of us was tasked with writing down a thought that we could leave behind in Sardinia. This could be something you were searching for, or in desperate need of shedding. This could be a simple feeling you had during the week, or a mega shift of perspective that took you by surprise. Whatever it was, I asked you to write it down and deposit it into a large jar sitting atop the rooftop practice space. Each of our thoughts are still there now - powerfully sitting together.
In this last group gathering, we shared stories and a bottle of wine. We laughed together, and yes, some of us also cried. It was another amazing moment of authentic connection that I will treasure forever.
"The connections between and among women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet." ~ Adrienne Rich