Master Zi explains benefits of moving meditations
UNDERSTANDING THE CHINESE ELEMENTS CYCLE
Each of the five elements stands independently, however, each influence and moulds the others. The world's interactions are determined by the Chinese elements creating and destroying each other. The process of creation promotes development, while the process of destruction restrains this development. The two are complimentary processes and create a harmonious stillness when balanced.
For example:
Creation:
- Water feeds Wood.
- Wood fuels Fire.
- Fire makes Earth (ash).
- Earth produces Metal.
- Metal carries Water.
Destruction:
- Wood separates the Earth (i.e. roots).
- Earth absorbs Water.
- Water smothers Fire.
- Fire melts Metal.
- Metal penetrates Wood.
FIND YOUR CHINESE ELEMENT
In Chinese astrology, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements -- this association is your "lucky" element. Each element has a dominant year based on the Chinese zodiac animal. Below is a way to find your "lucky" element:
YOUR CHINESE ANIMAL ZODIAC SIGN
- Rat: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936
- Ox: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937
- Tiger: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938
- Rabbit: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939
- Dragon: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940
- Snake: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941
- Horse: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942
- Goat: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931
- Monkey: 2015, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932
- Rooster: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933
- Dog: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934
- Pig: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935
YOUR "LUCKY" ELEMENT
- Wood: Tiger, Rabbit
- Fire: Snake, Horse
- Earth: Ox, Dragon, Goat, Dog
- Metal: Monkey, Rooster
- Water: Pig, Rat
However, when asking "What Chinese Element Am I?" the real answer is determined entirely by your birth year.
If the last number in your birth year is:
- 0 or 1, you are a metal element.
- 2 or 3, you are a water element.
- 4 or 5, you are a wood element.
- 6 or 7, you are a fire element.
- 8 or 9, you are an earth element.
WHAT YOUR CHINESE ELEMENT MEANS
WOOD
Wood is generous and expansive and cares deeply for others. As with bamboo, Wood is strong yet flexible and is a natural born leader. Its roots dig deep into the Earth, constantly looking to expand and push forward. However, Wood also needs moisture to survive. The characteristics of Wood are often associated with sensuality and patience. However, to balance this, Wood can also be intrusive and aggressive.
Strengths:
- Patient and understanding
- Warm, sociable, and compassionate
- Flexible and adaptable
- Stable and practical
- Generous
Weaknesses:
- Doesn't have a good grasp of boundaries or limits
- Can be too passive
- Yields easily under pressure
- Can rely too heavily on others
FIRE
Fire is always directed upward and its energy seems never ending. It is persistent and strong, however, it also spreads and wanders easily. Those with Fire as their element tend to be thrill seekers, who roam from one adventurous moment to the next. Fire is often associated with warmth, passion and the need to create.
However, on the reverse side, it can also be related to aggression, impatience, and destruction. While fire can provide heat and warmth, it can also burn. Fire cannot exist on its own. While it is bright and exciting, it needs the stability of wood to continue thriving.
Strengths:
- Passionate and enthusiastic
- Creative
- Persuasive and charismatic
- Spontaneous and adventurous
- Always up for a challenge
- Warm and loving
Weaknesses:
- Attention seeking
- Impatient
- Manipulative
- Susceptible to mood swings
- Aggressive
- Impulsive and volatile
- Dislike being alone
EARTH
Earth is stabilizing and mediating. It is a natural born peace-keeper. Earth is patient, thoughtful, and calm. While the Earth is warm and nurturing, it can also become easily self-centered as it believes it is the center of everything. Earth is protective and the represent the roots that hold everything together, however, it can also become controlling. People of this element contain a vast amount of empathy and find themselves constantly worried about the happiness of others.
Strengths:
- Stable and rooted
- Serious, practical, and logical
- Compassionate, caring, and empathetic
- Responsible
- Loyal and honest
- Nurturing
- Organized and good at planning
- Strong and enduring
Weaknesses:
- Overprotective
- Stubborn
- Conservative -- have trouble taking risks
- Reserved
METAL
Metal is the diamond found in the rough -- it is the breath of life. Metal respects itself and also respects others. It is strong and hard, but will adapt and change when put under pressure. Metal is often seen to be unyielding, rigid and determined. People with this element tend to be minimalists -- enjoying the simplicity of an organized and clean life. However, on the negative side, Metal can also be forceful and controlling. Metal is matter-of-fact and does not see a need for complex or unnecessary emotion in its life.
Strengths:
- Courageous
- Ambitious and competitive
- Independent
- Determined, disciplined and focused
- High morals and high standards
Weaknesses:
- Lacks communication skills
- Stubborn and sometimes unreasonable
- Judging
- Susceptible to being cruel and merciless
- Cuts ties easily
- Jaded
WATER
In Chinese Taoist philosophy, Water represents intelligence and wisdom. Water is flexible yet strong, flowing yet still, calm yet dangerous. For Water, the surface is only the beginning, with the real movement hidden in its depths. Those with the Water element are not reclusive, however, they enjoy their own company and time for inner reflection. They are often quiet and peaceful, but have great capacity to overwhelm others.
Strengths:
- Diplomatic
- Observant
- Empathetic and good mediators
- Persistent and determined
- Intuitive and flexible
- Gentle yet strong
Weaknesses
- Self-Indulgent
- Too passive
- Rely on others too much
- Indecisive
- Anxious
Powerful Questions to Uncover More of yourself
What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?
What are your strengths and values?
If money weren’t a problem, what would you spend your everyday doing?
What would you be doing if you knew you couldn’t fail?
What’s your favorite way to spend your free time?
What have you done in your life that you are especially proud of?
What activity are you doing when it feels like time just flies by?
When do you feel the most alive?
What kind of impact do you want to have?
What kind of professional and personal breakthroughs do you want to experience?
What are things (a language, a sport) you want to learn?
How do you envision you will leave your goal or legacy on people’s lives?
What are you excited, happy, and enjoying most in your life right now?
Name the top 3 peak experiences in your life. What do they have in common? What does this tell you about yourself?