Earth is one of the five elements in the Vedic tradition—earth, water, fire, air and space. Each element has its own unique qualities and has its own special role to play in our life. Could you imagine having to live without just one of the elements in your life?!

Our body is also made up of the five elements, but earth element is so special because it centers us in the physical aspect of being alive. In our bodies we experience pleasure and pain, the warmth of the sun and the cold of snow and wind, we taste delicious food, smell flowers of all kinds and colors, and touch the skin or fur of our loved one.

Earth is also our planet, our home while we live in these bodies. As we celebrate Earth Day this week I was re-reading Thich Nhat Hanh’s “love letter to the Earth” and am delighted to share some of it with you today:

“Dear Mother Earth,
You are the mother of all beings. I call you by the human name Mother and yet I know your mothering nature is more vast and ancient than humankind. We are just one young species of your many children. All the millions of other species who live—or have lived—on Earth are also your children. You aren’t a person, but I know you are not less than a person either. You are a living breathing being in the form of a planet. Each species has its own language, yet as our Mother you can understand us all. That is why you can hear me today as I open my heart to you and offer you my prayer.”

Join me today in writing your own “love letter to the Earth” as a reminder that Earth is our home, earth is an element which makes up our body, and Mother Earth is here for all of us. May we always be here for her.

For 16 continuous days I practiced yoga nidra meditation to honor the start of the spring season. Each day highlighted a different Hindu Devi, each an expression of the Divine Feminine, each associated with a different phase of the Moon. What I learned is that the Divine Feminine lives within each of us and defines our True Self.
 
Here are just three of the Devis who spoke most eloquently to me:
Vahnivasini, the Devi of Fire, who helped me get in touch with my passion for learning and teaching, loving and understanding others and to be the one to increase positive vibrations wherever I go.
 
Tvarita who represents the waxing Moon when she is half light and half dark. She helps me to balance what I do know with what I do not know. No need to rush to judgment because if we wait, more light will arrive and we will see and know more.
 
Nilapataka, She Who Falls into the Blue. Her story is fascinating! She falls into the blue poison and transforms it into nectar. When I am aware of the “poisons” in my life I can consider how they can be turned into “nectars” that will encourage and enlighten me.
 
Just like you and me and all people everywhere, the Devis each have their own unique qualities. Something my teacher said really caught my attention: The qualities of the Devis are inside of us. Then she paused and said something even more powerful—the Devis are inside of us. She said this is not something that all of us are yet ready to see, but when we do our lives would be changed forever.
 
When you look at your True Self, what do you see?