We could see where farmers had been irrigating, and where others had given up. There was a mix of both living and dead crops.
Seeing the drought was affirming that water is essential, not optional for living. If we don't have enough water, we suffer, wither and die. If we have too much water, we are smothered and drown. If we have the "right" amount of water, we thrive.
Metaphorically, water communicates loudly.
A way of looking at the health of a business is through the theory of yin/yang (balance) and the philosophy of the five elements including fire, earth, metal, water and wood.
First, Yin and Yang are "Two forces in the universe, according to a Chinese theory: yin is the passive, negative force, and yang the active, positive force. According to this theory, wise people will detect these forces...and will regulate...accordingly.**
Transformation inside Five Elements
The Five Elements philosophy comes from ancient China. Taoist scholars and mystics developed a way of understanding living transformation based on the minute observation of nature. The metaphors for creating, controlling and balancing nature were described using Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.
Through insights of the Five Elements, you can begin to see possible root causes of how a company is performing. The overall performance is communicating every interaction and relationship with how people and businesses are always transforming.
The Fire Element is yang in nature, and its energy is warm, creative and expansive. Fire builds momentum. Qualities include strength, persistence and perseverance. On the negative side, there is aggression and impulsiveness. This element exudes passionate resonance when its mission and core purpose for existence are aligned.
"If your company is lacking "fire", you'll feel the coolness immediately. It may be time to bring in more Wood (flexibility) or lighten up on the Water and Earth (rootedness) energy." - JAS
The Earth Element is both yin and yang in nature giving stability, balance and centering energy. Qualities include nurturing, patience, thoughtfulness, stability, and hard work. Earth energy works towards harmony, rootedness, and stability. Imbalances may include selfishness and self centeredness, or being overly protective and having difficulty with boundaries.
"If your company is stuck in the rut of giving it away for "free", then it may be time for more Metal (Worth)." - JAS
The Metal Element is yin in nature and is considered the breath of life. In balance, metal energy is discerning and owns self-worth, has respect inside and out, and has the will to give and receive accolades easily. Some qualities include rigidity, persistence, strength and determination. Out of balance characteristics are controlling, overly ambitious, and/or forceful.
"Does your company have a clear purpose? If your company is set in its ways and resisting change, there may be too much metal energy. Add more Earth energy. (Nurturing)." - JAS
The Water Element is yin in nature and represents wisdom and intelligence. In balance, water energy optimizes the use of resources with time, contacts, money and energy, neither too frugal nor squandering resources that support the overall purpose of the business. The water element does not discriminate. When out of balance the energy of water can be too weak to make an impact or too strong and end up killing what's working.
"If a business is drowning, add more Earth (stability) energy and hey, back off the Metal (control) already." -JAS
The Wood Element is yang in nature, and it's natural attributes are strength, flexibility and patience. Qualities include leadership, the essence of taking charge and determining a plan of action and "right" action. On the dark side, anger, aggression, and too much force may destroy the hard work.
"Not enough Wood (patience) at work? Add the "right" water (wisdom) and your business is sure to grow." - JAS
When analyzing companies and listening to their struggles, integrate the Five Elements to understand what's in and out of balance. The creative, controlling and balancing nature of energy is complex, yet simple when viewed with the 5 Elements.
Understanding the energetic flow of your business can give insights needed during times of rapid change. A "Rain dance" with the Five Elements may be what you need to get moving again.
Good Selling - Jennifer
**Source: Modern Language Association (MLA): "yin yang." The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005. 19 Sep. 2012. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/yin yang>.
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Introduction to The Five Elements of Business.
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