Embracing Earth

In some earlier challenges we enjoyed connecting with each of our senses; taking things from a different angle, the next few months are an exploration of the four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. Our first element is Earth. Earth is the element of physical form, the body, hearth, home, health, and finances. When all is well in the earth-oriented parts of your life, you experience security, good health, and abundance. This challenge offers a chance to explore aspects of your life as they relate to the physical realm.

Habit:
Clean or maintain part of your home

Daily:
Eat nourishing foods

To Do:
Plant a seed
Donate unneeded goods or clothing

Reflection:
The Earth challenge was an interesting mix of levels of difficulty for me. I identify strongly with the element of earth, as I spend much of my day housekeeping and cooking, love gardening, and generally do a lot of physical-realm caretaking. Eating nourishing foods was no sweat, and I had a great selection of clothing to donate. I planted marigolds! But I have to admit, cleaning and maintaining my house *regularly* continues to be a struggle–not from lack of will, but due to my physical limitations. Recognizing this, I made that task a ‘Habit’ so I (and anyone in a similar situation) would not be penalized for skipping it on a given day.