Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master
As we grow in our Reiki practice and understanding, we learn every natural thing in our universe has its own specific energies. Many cultures and religions have developed beliefs about the energies in our natural world. Incorporating this knowledge, with the frequent use of Reiki, can bring additional tools for healing into our lives. For this article, and the following four in this series, we will examine the five elements of the ancient Chinese belief system regarding the natural elements.
The Chinese identified five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, water.
These substances formed the bases for such practices as Chinese Medicine and Feng Shui. The elements are in constant interaction and flux with each other. Finding balance among these elements create good health and a calm, happy life. And, the right use of each element can create healing in our lives; it is this concept that has a direct correlation with the energy healing properties of Reiki. Intentionally utilizing these elements in our lives will only enhance our energetic bodies and our healing journeys.
The element of wood surrounds us in our home environments. From the strong timbers of our houses, to our dining tables and our beds, our daily lives are blessed with the abundance of wood products. Likewise, homes in our neighborhoods, our office buildings, stores, and churches also remind us of the gift of wood.
Image by HarryStueber
Trees provide paper and other important products. For many of us (myself included), the gift of books in my life is indescribable. Reading the wisdom shared by gifted writers; reading the sacred scriptures of world religions; reading the healing stories of “ordinary-extraordinary” people have truly enhanced our lives.
Wood is a product of trees – trees that blessed our earth during its lifetime, with its amazing growth, beauty, and strength. Fruit trees have given us apples, oranges, bananas, the list goes on. Some trees give us the color green in our environment all year-long, while others’ leaves change, as the seasons change.
A walk in the woods always brings a sense of calmness and peace to our lives. Many people connect to the Divine Spirit more easily among trees than anywhere else. Hugging a tree is truly a great reminder of all the blessings we have in our lives.
Let us not forget the many benefits of trees for Mother Earth. Trees are can have a strong effect on the greenhouse effect. Did you know one average size tree adds enough oxygen to the atmosphere to sustain the lives of four people for a year? At the same time, trees remove carbon dioxide gases. They are natural water conservators and water filters. Trees also become the homes for much wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and insects. A grove of trees can provide hiding places and sanctuary for larger animals.
As we contemplate all these wonderful benefits of trees and wood, it is easy to see how they bring healing energies to us individually, and collectively. Just as we have learned to become intentional in our Reiki practices, we can also learn to become intentional in the many ways that the elemental properties of wood contribute to our well-being.
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Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at [email protected] and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.
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