Dear Friends,
As we continue with the earth element, today’s teaching invites us to learn from the earth itself.
In a teaching to his son, Rahula, the Buddha offers an analogy of the earth as steadiness. The earth receives everything that comes to it – what is clean and what is unclean, what is wanted and what is unwanted – without reacting with preference or rejection. It does not harden against what it receives, and it does not cling to what passes through.
This image is not meant to suggest passivity or indifference. Instead, it points to a quality of non-reactivity: the ability to remain present and stable even as conditions change.
When we look at the body through the lens of the earth element, we can begin to sense this same possibility. Bones, tissues, and structures do their work quietly. They support movement, absorb pressure, and hold shape without commentary. They do not argue with gravity. They do not take discomfort personally.
Of course, our experience is often quite different. Sensations arise, and the mind quickly adds a story: I don’t like this. This shouldn’t be happening. Something is wrong. We do not need to suppress those reactions, but to notice that beneath them is something steadier – an aspect of the body that already knows how to receive experience without judgment.
Learning steadiness from the earth does not mean becoming numb or rigid. It means discovering a way to stay present without being pushed or pulled by every sensation or thought. The earth element can teach us how to remain steady.
This kind of steadiness is supported by kindness. When we meet the body with a friendly, non-demanding attention, it becomes easier to sense stability without tightening around it. Care helps us stay. Steadiness gives care a place to land.
Today’s reflection is simple:
What might it be like to let the body be as steady as the earth already is – receiving experience without needing to approve or resist?
I have appreciated the comments and replies – do check out the blog for some of the reflections that have been shared so far – and feel free to add your comments. You can reply to the email or comment below.
Tomorrow, we will reflect more on how this quality of steadiness shows up (or doesn’t) in our own experience. For now, it is enough to listen, notice, and let the earth teach in its own quiet way.
With good wishes,
Andrea
“Steadiness gives care a place to land”. Thank you Andrea for this phrase and the reflection fed by these few words .
This is so true in my experience. If I am reeling and caught in pain I forget to care in a way that sees clearly what the truth of the moment is. That it will change. That it is impersonal. That the dukkha I’m experiencing is likely being fed by the mind. Stability gives me the pause, the distance and the capacity to care about pain in a way that is tender and allowing, and with a softening, tension relieving mind. And stability allows me to care for others, and not stay in self preoccupation. 🙏
Hi Deb, I appreciate how you describe stability creating the space for tenderness, clarity, and care. Your reflection captures exactly the spirit of this teaching, and I am grateful you shared it.