One of my favorite meditation practices from the Buddhist tradition is something called the Six Element Practice. It’s not very well-known, but it focuses on understanding the interconnected nature of our being.
I love this practice for several reasons. Firstly, it’s beautifully poetic, highlighting how we are inherent parts of the universe. Additionally, it aligns well with modern science, which I find fascinating, adding more depth to the practice. Lastly, it is highly effective. Both I and many people I’ve taught it to have experienced profound changes in our sense of self. It creates a feeling of connectedness, lightness, and freedom.
The meditation involves focusing on the six elements that make up who we are and understanding that none of these elements truly define us.
These six elements come from an ancient model of understanding the universe. Even though we no longer use this model, it still makes sense on an experiential level. The elements, in traditional order, are earth, water, fire, air, space, and consciousness.
The first four — earth, water, fire, and air — are straightforward. We are made of solids, liquids, gases, and energy, which is how we experience the world.
In the Six Element Practice, we reflect on each of these elements one by one. We start by connecting with the element within us — what we typically see as part of “me.” For example, with the earth element, we can feel the solid touch of our body against the floor or a seat. We notice our bones, muscles, teeth, and hair. For the parts we can’t directly feel, like our inner organs, we can imagine them.
Next, we consider the same element outside of ourselves. For the earth element, we think about everything solid in the world. We recall experiences like walking on solid ground, picking up a rock, touching tree bark, or holding an apple. It’s especially useful to remember foods like bread, fruits, and vegetables.
Thirdly, we reflect on the idea that there is no separation between the “me” earth element and the “other” earth element. There is just one earth element. We realize this by thinking about how the element comes and goes in the body.
Where does all the solid matter in the body come from? It all originates from the outside world. Our bones, muscles, hair, teeth, and inner organs were once soil, rock, wheat, milk, and vegetables. Our bodies are constantly replenishing themselves, and what once was part of our body becomes soil, plants, air, and animals again. Everything in our bodies is in the process of returning to the outside world.
With this reflection, we gain a new perspective on the solid matter in our bodies. Rather than seeing it as a separate “thing,” we begin to view it as a flow or process that is inseparable from the world. We see the earth element moving from the outside world, through our bodies, and back into the world.
As we observe this flow, we remind ourselves, “This is not me. This is not mine. This is not myself.” How can we own something that just passes through?
We repeat this reflection for the other elements, recognizing that all the solids, liquids, gases, and energy inside us are just temporarily there.
But if everything is passing through, what remains? This brings us to the space element. We might think of space as the human form through which the elements pass. But what is this human form without the first four elements? Without them, there is nothing left. We come to see that nothing in our physical makeup is separate. The body’s elements, which came from the outside world, never really left it. Our bodies are just living, ever-changing parts of the universe. The idea of separateness is an illusion.
Finally, there’s the element of consciousness. The traditional understanding of this involves recognizing three inter-related parts: form (the first five elements), perception of form in our senses, and consciousness of form in the mind. These three parts form an inseparable continuum. We usually think of consciousness as separate from what it perceives, but this practice helps us let go of identifying any part of this continuum as “me” or “not me.” Instead, we see the universe perceiving itself — the universe becoming conscious of itself.
If even consciousness isn’t “you” in any real sense, then what are you? This is the intriguing part of the Six Element Practice — it leaves you with a sense of mystery. This sense of mystery brings openness, allowing you to set aside the need for definitions. Temporarily, you don’t need to pin down who or what you are. There’s no division of “self” and “other.” There’s just vibrant aliveness, the universe becoming aware of itself, and a sense of liberation — life without boundaries.
If you’re interested in exploring the Six Element Practice further, consider joining me for a six-week online course starting July 12.