The Elements as Us
meditating with the very nature of who we are
Hi Friends,
Today we are focusing our meditation on the elements with an emphasis not on seeing the elements outside of us, but feeling, being, and knowing ourselves as the elements.
In the wisdom of Indigenous cultures, the language maintains that we are part of the whole of Nature. In the Māori culture in particular, introductions include reference to “my mountain” and “my river” as the energy of these forms of Nature literally run through the body as blood, as breath, as the structure of bone. They introduce their mountain, river, lake, trees, and rocks as they are their ancestors, a part of their family, quite literally where they come from.
We are fortunate to have the guidance of people who belong to cultures who have not forgotten this connection. Despite having had their cultures and traditions taken from them, the deep connection to Nature remains as it is who they are.
When I think of the many times I’ve sat with the Grandmothers, I think of Grandmother Flordemayo and the way she references the Spirit of the Fire. Each element has its own energy, its own personality in a sense, its own beingness.
We are Nature.
We are created as a whole, from the same fabric woven as a tapestry of the elements. The earth, humanity, the animals, the plant life, the waters. We were all created together to live in harmony and be One.
I keep being called to feel that awareness, the lived remembrance of that truth, at a very deep soul level, a cellular level.
I do this by focusing my awareness and breath on the relationship of the elements. Much like being in relationship with one another, when we have a relationship that is clear, we can bring something really rich into our knowing of ourselves and into our lives.
Relationships are reciprocal. There’s both giving and receiving. In my view, the planet and the elements need us. Not necessarily for us to “heal” it or “save” it, but in being present, in listening, respecting, and loving.
So today in our meditation I thought we would explore just being present and breathing with each element, the spirit of the element and what it feels like when we allow ourselves to remember who we are. This meditation is longer than usual and I hope it allows you to sink in deeply.
What would our world look like if we interacted with the elements in this reciprocal and loving way? If we saw them and all living beings as our kin?
Let’s practice.
Blessings Everyone,
Chris
UPCOMING EVENTS:
UNVEILING YOUR INNER POWER
with The Grandmothers of the Eternal Flame
April 15 - 19, 2026
You are invited to join us in a four-day intensive retreat to unveil your own sacred power under the guidance of the Grandmothers of the Eternal Flame, Grandmothers Whaea Eila Paul, Taiha-Moetu, Devi Tide, Flordemayo, Heather Hall, Whenua Jo-Ellen Courtney and Jalila Chris Botsford.
The focus of the retreat will be to unveil and embody the creative power that is your sacred inheritance.
Our inner power, or sacred strength is the capacity to draw upon one’s inherent wisdom and resilience to guide us through our lives and the daily challenges that we encounter. When we recognize the divine potential within ourself we can utilize this creative energy to co-create our lives.
We will gather on the shores of Lake Michigan at the Christian Reformed Conference Center, where the sacred power of nature is powerfully present to support your own self-discovery.
The retreat will incorporate large group gatherings, smaller group sessions allowing you more intimate time with each grandmother, time for personal reflection and movement. The grounds of the conference center are beautiful, offering opportunity to walk in nature or on the shores of Lake Michigan.
The retreat will also include all your meals, offering a variety of dietary options and your housing. There are several housing accommodations options available that you can choose from to best meet your needs. All cottages include full kitchen, gas fireplace, linens and towels. The three-bedroom cottages have two full bathrooms, the one-bedroom cottages have one full bath.
• Three-bedroom cottage:
1. Lower level 1 queen bed $2850(single) $5100(couple)
2. Upper level 1 queen bed $2650(single) $4900(couple)
3. Upper level 2 twins & 1 full bed $2450(per person)
• One-bedroom cottage ( 2 available)
1. 1 queen bed $3000 (single) $5600(couple)
• Commuter option for those that live near the center and wish to commute is also available (meals and retreat) $2100
LOCATION: Christian Reformed Conference Center
12253 Lakeshore Dr. West Olive MI 49460
DATE: April 15-19th, 2026 (check in 3:00pm Wednesday, check out 3:00pm Sunday)
FOR INQUIRY OR REGISTRATION CONTACT JALILA CHRIS BOTSFORD