Ancient people believed that the world is made of four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. Personally I think that the world is made of one universal substance which takes up different forms. But as we look at those four elements and meditate at their significance, we receive valuable lessons which are directly related to our life.

Humans are manifold beings. We are meant to express ourselves in many ways. Our experiences are meant to be broad and rich. This is an another reason why I don't trust books with detailed instructions on how to live. Life is always more complex than all doctrines or theories which are trying to deal with it. This fact is not something to be afraid of - since Life is on our side, we have all the reasons to embrace is hope and anticipation.

In some ways, we are meant to be like water. "Water easily benefits all things without struggle", says Tao Te Ching. For me, water speaks of such qualities as peace and humility.

"Water never resists, yet it wears away the most resistant things. Water fits itself to conditions, takes the shape of any bowl it is poured into... Water has learned humility. It is colorless, yet what is a rainbow but water? It is tasteless, yet what is there better to drink? It always seeks the lowest place. But those in high places come to drink of it", writes James Dillet Freeman.

Last week we talked about nonresistance. As we practice nonresistance, we manifest the quality of water: "Nothing in the world is softer than water, yet nothing is better at overcoming the hard and strong". Water finds its way through all obstacles because it doesn't seek its own way. This is the way things work for us, too.

Yet it is not enough for us to be peaceful, humble, and calm. There are different aspects of our nature which should be expressed, such as zeal, boldness, and optimism. In many ways, we are meant to be like fire.

Fire gives warmth and light. But even more, fire changes what it touches. One of its important aspects is purification. And James Dillet Freeman prayed, "Let me be as a refiner's fire. Let the dross be burned away so that any gold that may be there will shine forth".

Fire consumes everything which doesn't serve us anymore, transforming it to positive energy. "God is a consuming Fire".

We often hear people emphasising "peace of mind" as if it is the only worthwhile quality we may possess. But if peace is not balanced with zeal, a person often tends to be self-centered and passive. He lacks zest and vitality. He prefers to stay at the same place. He is not interested enough to move forward to new discoveries, and to find new joys along the way.

Peaceful people are nice and sweet in fellowship. Those individuals who suffered a lot and experienced emotional abuse are easily attracted to peaceful people in search for comfort. But their company may be little boring for others.

As we value blessings of peace, let us stay true to the spirit of enthusiastic self-expression within us. Our inner fire is not to be quenched!

(to be continued)