The water element embodies the qualities of Winter. In winter the rains and snow fill the reservoirs of the earth. Nature slows down. Growth has mostly stopped. Many animals hibernate and live off stored fat. In this state of resting deep within, energy is collected and held in reserve. The energy of winter is latent and potent. It is the concentrated, internal force of winter that enables a seed to burst forth in spring.
Winter is a time of stillness and quietude, nature’s energy having turned inward during this most inward-looking of all the seasons. Winter reminds us that we need to slow down, stop and do internal work. It is a good time for meditating, reflecting and storing our energy. We can use this season for rest and filling our reserves, gathering strength for the year ahead. We can use this season to more deeply discover the essence of our very self. Winter reminds us that we need to take time in our lives all year round to stop, reflect and fill our reserves.
Abundant reserves within give us courage and strength of will. Lacking these reserves, we feel fear. Fear in appropriate amounts is, of course, essential; fear keeps us alert and cautious and preserves life. The emotion of a distressed Water element is fear of not having enough of what it takes to meet the challenge that lies ahead. Do we have enough money in the bank for retirement? Do we have the strength to survive serious illness? Do we have the energy to meet the daily challenges of life? Within us lies our strength. A healthy water element gives us the determination and resolve we need to survive and thrive. We just have to be quiet enough to listen to experience it.
We live in a society of continual striving and exertion, we expect instant results and immediate answers. Probably the most common way to deplete our reserves is with overwork. But nature has another idea. Nature reminds us that everything has its season. There is no endless growth, no endless summer. And when we allow ourselves to simply be still and quiet, and contain our energy within ourselves, we stand in the energy of the Water element.
How’s your water?