Yesterday in the first part of this discussion of maintaining sanity, I discussed the roles of Wood, Fire and Water in creation and resolution of the problems that often plague many of us who take in, and take on – way too much. I’d like to talk now about how I’ve used the symbolism of Metal and Earth – the densest of our elemental phases – to help me see a way out of the chaotic world I sometimes live within.
Earth has taught me immensely important lessons in my quest to overcome overwhelm. Though it probably isn’t fair to lay the whole blame for this situation on Wood energetics, it is convenient in terms of looking at the Wood-Earth relationship. When we push too much, when we try to do everything and be everyone, usually the very first thing to suffer is our self-care. Right behind it is our home life. :) How many of us, when we have massive deadlines piling up on us and the pressure at work or school seems almost to intense to bear, start treating our bodies terribly and snapping at our loved ones? In my humble opinion, this is a perfect example of Wood overacting on Earth manifesting in human life. So what to do?
Earth is the province of the Spleen and Stomach, the home of nourishment and care. Importantly, this is where the transformation and transportation of what we take in takes place. In some real way, we cannot properly assimilate all of the great information we’re trying to absorb without paying close attention to our Earth-bound needs. Careful attention to nutrition, plenty of rest and relaxation and special attention to the creation of sanctuary for ourselves is essential to making great use of what we are privileged to be learning. It is the soil from which our life grows. This goes for the human element of Earth, too – our friends and family. We need to be especially careful to reach out to those who love us and those whom we love. We need to understand their essential role in our development and our responsibility to be what they need us to be. We should guard against self indulgence, of course, always remembering the vital role that the Emperor plays in reminding us of our purpose – but we MUST care for ourselves, or nothing will come of our valiant efforts.
Finally, Metal. Metal has taught me the hardest lessons, and the control cycle of the five elemental phases is a perfect analogy to use in this situation. Metal has the job of controlling the overgrowth of Wood. Where Fire gives the Wood something to reach towards, Earth gives ample nourishing space within which Wood can grow and Water ensures that everything stays supple and moving – Metal has the vital job of cutting off something gone wildly out of control. It is the pruning shear principle in our life and it *must not* be neglected if the Emperor is to maintain her appropriate place as undisputed ruler of our lives.
Sometimes you just have to say no. Even worse, sometimes you have to back out of something you erroneously said yes to at some point in the past. Metal, empowered by the animating principle of Fire and guided by the deeply connected force of water, knows when to say when. This is the hardest part to act out because there are no short cuts, and no way to make the impact less difficult. Some of us can get a little panicky when we know we are going to have to say no to something or someone. This is the edgy force of Wood wanting to grow ever more! We must have the strength to wield metal for the sake of our whole being and just cut ourselves off from overcommitment and information overload. I promise you, you will not die if you fail to read the newspaper today. You will not become a pariah if you say no to the latest committee assignment offered to you at work. You will not fail utterly in your quest to become a great practitioner if you say no to that seminar or elective class.
If you simply let the Emperor be the Emperor, pay close attention to the guiding method of Water, nourish your whole being deeply with Earth and learn when to say when with the cutting force of Metal you will flourish madly in this world and do it with your sanity intact.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments. If you’re interested in getting regular updates of content like this, be sure to subscribe to this blog via RSS feed or via email.
Eric
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Astute as always. I especially like the Metal parts of it. \m/
My gf (over)works for the local public transit authority. my way of reminding her how silly it is to not set boundaries/say no/overwork is the following poem:
Your bones will be
crushed into dust
beneath the wheels
of the Bus.
:D
btw, where is that photo from?
!! That’s a great poem. I’m sure I could think of something similar. I’m embarassed to say that I’ve lost my source info for that photo, but I get all of my photos from two free photo exchanges, one at http://www.sxc.hu and one at http://www.morguefile.com – you can find some really great images at both sites. If I find that source info, I’ll let you know.
Thanks for your comments, as always.
Eric
Don’t forget that metal also finds that which is precious to you as well–and may be hidden, so all those times you use metal to let go, you are really refining that which is most precious.
Bonnie,
Great point. Of course there are many layers of meaning in this and that one is one of the gems I left out of my discussion.
Thank you for pointing it out. :)
Eric
[I hope you don't mind two comments in a row --just trying to keep up with your momentum Eric].
I find it is always a pleasure to contemplate the myriad images of the five movements; Metal is especially interesting, as you and your readers have pointed out. One other very intriguing aspect of Metal which I contemplate frequently is that Fire controls Metal, and through this relationship Fire is able to descend by means of the malleability of Metal. Thus, just as the previous comment suggests, by following the natural movement of closure and detachment (or saying NO)of Metal, the Fire of the Heart is able to enter deep into the core of Water, thus connecting us to inner warmth and consciousness; following these natural processes seems to make things easier, so letting our Metal defenses and rigidity be melted by our Heart Fire will result in something much more refined and beautiful…
Eric (and friends), what are your thoughts on the implications of the concept that Fire descends through Metal? You know this is a question I’ve been working with for a while so I’m always interested in others’ perspectives on it.
Thanks,
michael g.
i’ve had several instances in the past two weeks when i have said YES despite getting an inner NO from my body. like you said, we dread the sharp edge of saying no to someone. yet, if i say yes, then maybe i don’t get the sharp momentary pain (fear) but i do get a dull ache that lasts for a long time. this is often worse. i am learning….i’m sure i’ll get many more opportunities to practice! thanks for the thought provoking post
I think if we allow spirit (our own purpose and also our welcome to others) to affect us then it is far less likely that our saying no will cause offense or rupture a relationship.
The downside of metal is its hardness and coldness (unattractive qualities that have not helped my relationships when I have manifested them). The warmth and flexibility that fire brings to metal I think are invaluable for our relationships.
Just my thoughts on one aspect of the fire-metal relationship.
Evan,
Thanks for your comment. Indeed – being in contact with and flowing from the spirit is the key to allowing our metal actions to be received in a positive light.
Eric
Michael,
Ahhh, fire descending metal. One thing I do want to say is that while it is important to let fire soften metal for that descending process to occur, there is also a time when metal just has to be metal. If metal is always malleable or too malleable, we have problems.
What are the implications of fire descending through metal? Well, legion – I suppose. I think about it in terms of the twelve officials sometimes – the mandate of the Emperor can only go out to the four corners of the kingdom through the facile work of the Minister smoothly and decisively communicating with the officials along the way. It also changes the way we look at treating symptoms that come from a lack of Water-Fire communication, I think. What are some of the implications close to your heart, Michael? I’d love to see a guest post about it. Hint, hint.
Eric
Amartya,
Thank YOU for your wonderful comment. :)
Eric
Thanks for the post above.. I would like to add one more bit to the above… Vegeterianism… This is also a sure shot way to maintain ones sanity… Every vegetarian product that you buy saves lives of animals and helps prevent the wastage of water and other resources.