Earth, Air, Fire and Water. The essential elements of life on earth, as defined in ancient times.

I recently experienced all of them when I rode in a hot air balloon. Air and fire lifted the balloon into the sky and we floated above the earth. But when water was added to the equation and the balloon pilot gently set our basket down in the middle of a lake, my knees started shaking. It seemed dangerous. Just my overactive imagination? Or is there a natural state of balance that we instinctively realize? Suddenly it seemed we might capsize. There was too much water, not enough fire and air, and the earthy shore was too far away! I could only trust in the skill of the pilot at that point, and we did finally lift off from the surface of the water, to my enormous relief.

It was an interesting lesson about how disproportionate elements in our lives, whatever they may be (disease, stress, fatigue, fear, etc.) may tilt our bodies into unbalance. Moving back into balance is an important factor for anyone who wants to realize a state of well-being and health.