Mountain vs. Ocean (September 10, 2007)
I returned from a weekend retreat in the mountain in Colorado. I usually spend my retreat by the ocean, but this time I chose to visit mountains. There is a reason why.
The ocean carries the energy of the Water element. It is Yin energy and it has the capacity to cleanse negative energy and stress and heal wounds. The waves wash away negative emotions and clears excessive stress. The ocean replenishes the lost energy and gives you energetic support to heal your wounds. If you are experiencing excessive stress, and/or emotional wounds, I would suggest that you receive the energy of the ocean.
The mountain carries the energy of the Wood element. It is Yang energy and it boosts and raises your energy. Especially where the mountain is located at a higher elevation (The mountain that I visited was 8,500 feet above the sea level.), this effect is stronger. You may recall that many of the spiritual places around the world are located at a high elevation, like Tibet and Machu Picchu, Peru. The energy of the mountain helps awaken the Soul and receive spiritual messages. However, some may experience feeling ungrounded compared to living at the sea level.
When you choose the next destination for your retreat, I would like you to consider based on the quality of energy needed for your conditions. Apart from the Ocean and the Mountain, the desert will give you the energy of the Fire element and it may boost your passion.
In case of my current retreat, I was seeking additional spiritual awakening. By the second day in the mountain, I heard that trees, flowers, rocks, birds and wind were welcoming my stay. I encountered many animals (deer, rabbit, squirrel, and more…), saying hello to me. They told me which direction to hike. I followed their guidance and found sacred spiritual treasure in the mountain…
In my practice, I often suggest my patients to visit the mountain, woods, ocean or countryside, depending on the conditions. They all report back to me, saying how much the energy of the environment helped them heal/support their conditions.
Receiving the energy of the Nature is a crucial aspect of spiritual journey. I would like you to be attentive to your inner feeling whenever you visit special places in the nature.
