Why Nature Refreshes Best!

'Life 365' newspaper, Pune, 20th May 2012 There are a number of ways in which urban dwellers try and soothe their frayed nerves tormented by work stress, competition, lifestyle, loneliness and other modern psycho-physical conditions. Eating out, partying, retail therapy, movies are some methods that bring temporary relief. Few however, have the good fortune to drive into the countryside or take a walk in the woods to derive wholesome benefit. Ever wondered why we get refreshed and invigorated when amidst nature and natural surroundings? Surely you must have heard someone say “Because we come from them and must dissolve into them too”. What does this actually mean?

Kalu Rinpoche writes, “It is from the mind, which embodies the five elemental qualities, that the physical body develops. The physical body itself is imbued with these qualities, and it is because of this mind/body complex that we perceive the outside world-which in turn is composed of the five elemental qualities of earth, water, fire, wind and space”.

Whenever we are amidst natural surroundings, conspicuously or subtly, these elements are around us at all times in some form or the other. How they work their magic on us is understood when one analyses that these very elements have qualities of our mind consciousness, the five sense consciousnesses and critical body functions.

Earth: The ability of our mind to serve as the platform or ground of all our experiences, is represented by the quality of the earth element. The physiological system (muscle and bone) of our body is controlled by this element. At death, while the earth element dissolves, it is felt internally by a sinking feeling by the dying person, as though pulled into a deep cave underground. Externally it is represented by heaviness, tiredness and loss of strength of the body. The earth element controls our sense of smell (olfactory senses). It is no wonder that almost all of us love the smell of earth, especially wet earth. Out of sheer affinity, as children, few of us may have even eaten wet mud!

Water: The continuity and adaptability quality of the mind finds in it the same quality as that of water. Our blood circulation and other fluid systems in the body are controlled by this element. In the process of dying, this is represented by water running from the nose and mouth as this element begins to dissolve. Internally the feeling is of parched lips, mouth and throat as the dying person is often offered water. The sense of taste is controlled by the water element.

Fire: The quality of our mind’s clarity and ability to perceive has the same quality as that of the fire element. Our body’s thermal system that regulates body temperature is controlled by this element. During the process of passing away, as the fire element dissolves, the person begins to feel cold and asks to be covered. The breath feels cold. When touched, the body feels cold externally too. The sense of vision is controlled by this element. No wonder people say, that looks can sometimes be fiery hot or cold!

Wind: The quality of our constantly moving mind is comparable to the wind or air element which too is never still. The respiratory system is controlled by the this element. While alive, it is the breath that connects our body to the mind and mind to the consciousness. Breathing stabilizes the mind and its surging emotions. During the dying process, as this element dissolves, the external signs are that of gasping for in-breath and heavy exhalation. Internally the dying person can feel being deflated and being swept away in a great storm as the wind runs out of the body. The sense of touch is controlled by the wind element.

Space: The vast emptiness nature of mind has the quality of the space element which is present but is formless and limitless. The hearing system of the body is controlled by this element. During the process of dying when this element is dissolving the hearing begins to fail and we hear sounds but cannot make out the words. Externally, the sign of peace or bliss can be seen on the face of the person as delusions begin to dissolve. The sense of balance too is controlled by this element. We know that behind the ear drum is the vacuum space for assisting us in maintaining our body balance and hearing. Within us, void or space fills up other cavities too.

As such, an intimate relation exists between the five elements, the qualities of our mind and five sense consciousnesses, inextricable from one another. So, remember to take such breaks regularly, even if it means a quiet walk each day in the neighbourhood garden, to stay refreshed, rejuvenated happy and healthy. Also, be in prayer to these elements for them to be in equilibrium within us. As these simple things are entirely in our hands, so is well-being.