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Example of Four Elements of Appreciation Ritual

You will need to gather elements that are representative of the earth, fire, water, and wind prior to the meditation..

Earth can be represented by rocks or plants or dirt.

Fire can be represented by charcoal or a candle or a match;

Water can be represented by water in a cup or something from the sea such as shells;

Wind can be represented by the air itself or a feather or something that blows in the wind such as seeds.

Determine a square area and location where you can be alone.

Place each element in a corner of that square. You may use a cloth or covering as "the square" or use nothing at all. (Remember, there is no right or wrong....this is about helping to form a bridge or connection between the mind and soul and the earth)

Place the element that represents earth in the northward corner.

Place the element that represents water in the westward corner.

Place the element that represents fire in the southern corner.

Place the element that represents air in the eastern corner.

Stand or sit facing the earth and give thanks to the earth as the giver of life. You can speak outloud or in your mind. Pause and reflect on the giver of life and what that means to you.

Then turn and stand or sit facing the water corner and give thanks to the water of life.

Pause and ponder what that means to you.

Then turn and stand or sit facing the wind and give thanks for spreading blessing throughout the area.

Pause and ponder what that means to you.

Then stand or sit facing the fire and give thanks for the warmth and light of life.

Pause and ponder what that means to you.

Give a blessing to yourself, or to the earth, or to others, or meditate, or just ponder a few moments to think about life and giving of blessings.

End the ritual and gather the elements.

You may choose to leave the elements there as part of a blessing (depending on what you are using).