The 5 elements – SPIRIT

I love the elements! There are so many ways to look at them and connect with them. Over the years I’ve been receiving information about the elements and how to work with them. I’m going to share this information with you in a series of messages on social media and blogs on my website. Starting with the basics: a description of each of the 5 elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Spirit.

Today the 5th element: SPIRIT.

SPIRIT is the last element of the 5 (after AIR, FIRE, WATER & EARTH) and is the one that’s least physical of all. SPIRIT is also known as ether or space* and is connected to our CONSCIOUSNESS / AWARENESS. It reminds us that everything is connected, that All is One, that there is only Oneness. SPIRIT is connecting, vibrating, all-encompassing.

When you want to connect with the element of SPIRIT, you can do that by meditating, becoming silent, becoming aware of ‘what is’. You can connect to SPIRIT by being fully present in the moment, to feel into the spaciousness of each single moment in time.

You can connect to SPIRIT through deeply connecting with other people, or even animals and nature. By eye gazing and feeling beyond the physical experience.

You can use prayer to connect with SPIRIT, sacred medicine (if you feel drawn to that), or chanting.

When you allow yourself to be fully in flow while writing, dancing or creating you’re also connecting deeply with SPIRIT.

There’s all sorts and ways to connect with SPIRIT! What’s your favourite way?

*It’s also known as Quintessence (literally “the fifth element” in Latin) or Akasha (in Sanskrit).

No alcohol

I never drink any alcohol (at least) 24 hours before I have to do any spiritual work. When I tell that to people, they tend to ask if I’m that sensitive to alcohol, if my hangovers are that bad? No, they’re not.

People who know me from back in the Netherlands know I was quite a good drinker (could easily keep up with the guys) without ever having a hangover. But the thing is, alcohol numbs your senses. So it’s not so much that I would directly feel the difference – I could still do an Akasha Reading, Cacao Ceremony or a Healing while drinking the day before – but I choose to be in the purest state of being. To be as sensitive and receptive I can be, because I want to be as good as a vessel for the energy to flow as possible.

Luckily they have really good non-alcohol beers here on the island! Haha… Something I would never drink in the Netherlands (“you either drink beer with alcohol, or no beer at all”), but now I love it. It gives the feeling of a drink, without compromising my sensitivity.

At the moment of this picture my friend wanted to toast on something beautiful that’s being created (more about that soon), but with having 3 Akashic Readings scheduled for the next day, I didn’t want to drink any alcohol. So I ordered a non-alcoholic beer. To toast to something does feel nicer with a drink than with a soda, even if my drink doesn’t contain any alcohol… ;)

Funny thing is, that when I bring non-alcohol drinks to a ‘bring your own’ party (they also have quite nice non-alcohol Cava here at the regular supermarket) a lot of people go for the non-alcoholic option when it’s available! Which then leaves me without my non-alcohol drinks sometimes… But I’m happy to share and even invite others to try the non-alcoholic version, to let them experience it’s not as bad as they think and maybe inspire them to do the same next time…?

Do you ever go for a non-alcoholic option?

The 5 elements – AIR

I love the elements! There are so many ways to look at them and connect with them. Over the years I’ve been receiving information about the elements and how to work with them. I’m going to share this information with you in a series of messages on social media and blogs on my website. Starting with the basics: a description of each of the 5 elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Spirit.

Today the 4th element: AIR.

AIR is the 4th in line (after FIRE, WATER & EARTH) if you look at how physical the element is.* You cannot grasp air or hold it in your hands, but you can see it when there’s a difference of temperature – like with your warm breath on a cold day. AIR is connected to your INTELLECT / THOUGHTS. Air reminds us that everything is always moving, changing, to not hold on to anything. ‘The only constant in life is change’. AIR is moving, changing, inspiring.

When you want to connect with the element of AIR, you can do that by consciously connecting to your breath. By simply noticing how the AIR goes in and out of your body, or by practicing different ways of breathing.

You can go outside on a windy day and feel the AIR touching your skin. Or move your body in such a way that you feel the movement of the air around you.

You can connect with AIR through smelling flowers, your favourite food or a lovely perfume.

You can sing, play with your words (or ‘spells’) or play instruments to connect with AIR.

There’s all sorts and ways to connect with AIR! What’s your favourite way?

*I discovered that some say that FIRE is less physical than AIR, but how I received it/experience it, is that FIRE is more physical in the sense that it needs something tangible (like wood, oil or gas) to burn and naturally you’ll feel more when ‘touching’ FIRE than when ‘touching’ (still) AIR.

Receiving Guidance

A few days ago I wrote about that I feel I’m much more connected to my Guidance here on the island and that I got guided to host a live Channelling Course again. Which made me realise… doing my first Channelling Course in 2016 myself has made a HUGE impact on my life!

From when I was young I always knew/felt/saw “more”, but as it wasn’t easy to understand why I experienced everything so different than most people (other kids) around me I closed everything up. Then when I received my first Reiki session in 2014 and shortly after got my 1st and 2nd degree in Reiki, everything opened up again.

When I moved to Ibiza in 2016 I was a bit confused about my Reiki sessions, as my hands where doing all sorts of things that weren’t part of Reiki (you should keep your hands in specific positions to pass through the Reiki energy) but that I couldn’t explain. Luckily I met an amazing teacher on the island who helped me to understand what was happening through her Healing and Channelling Courses.

Being able to channel my own Guides, Higher Self and Spirit Team has helped me many times to get clarity on what steps I needed to take, to gain insights in specific issues in my life and to feel supported by something bigger than me. Next to that it has been an amazing tool in assisting others in the healings and coaching I offer.

Pretty soon I realised that – just like with the Reiki – channelling was also something that I wanted to pass on to others and I started teaching. The past few years I’ve been teaching many people in weekend-long courses and each time it’s just magical to see people open up to their Guidance and receiving the most beautiful messages – especially as most people think they aren’t capable of doing it. But each time it turns out they are!

Grateful to have received this, to be able to share this and can’t wait to be teaching again end of May! In case you’re interested, more info at www.ankhana.com/channelling-course.

With love, Ankhana

The 5 elements – FIRE

I love the elements! There are so many ways to look at them and connect with them. Over the years I’ve been receiving information about the elements and how to work with them. I’m going to share this information with you in a series of messages on social media and blogs on my website. Starting with the basics: a description of each of the 5 elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Spirit.

Today the 3rd element: FIRE.

FIRE is 3rd in line (after WATER & EARTH) if you look at how physical the element is. You can touch fire (although wouldn’t recommend), but you cannot ‘hold’ it in your hands. It’s the element that is connected to our PASSION. Fire reminds us of our inner fire that needs to burn bright. As this helps us to burn away any fears or resistance and create new fertile ground where we can create from that which lights us up – our passion. FIRE is transforming, transmuting, activating. 

When you want to connect with the element of FIRE, you can do that by making a fire in your fireplace, or creating a bonfire outside. You can write down your fears on a piece of paper and throw it in the fire to be burned away. 

You can look into a candle flame while meditating and deeply connect with the properties of the fire. 

You can connect with the element of FIRE by allowing yourself to fully dive into your passion and express it wildly and vividly. By allowing your inner fire to light you up and shine through. 

You can connect with FIRE through the Sun, by feeling its warmth on your skin, taking in its light, receiving the enlightening, activating fiery energy!

There’s all sorts and ways to connect with FIRE! What’s your favourite way?

Back on the island!

I’m so grateful to be back on the island and having the sun on my skin again. As well as feeling the magic of Ibiza again, the flow, the alignment, the guidance. It is as if I can receive my guidance a lot easier here, as if I’m closer to myself, easier connected to the flow of life.

In the Netherlands I got into full action mode, which I really enjoyed as well. So now I am balancing the two: being in flow and continuing to be in action as well. As it’s easy to loose yourself in the flow of the island and forget there’s also work to do. But I made myself a strong promise when I was in Holland: I want to continue putting my heart and energy into my business, as this is what makes me happy!

So I am connecting and flowing as well as working and structuring, and I have to say I quite like this new way of doing things. Knowing so clearly what I want and where I want to go with my business, it’s easier to say “no” to the abundance of social activities that are offered here. It feels good to stay close to myself, put the work in AND enjoy the flow of the island, being open to receive my guidance along the way.

One of the things that became clear to me – even though I received different guidance a few months ago – is that I’m supposed to be teaching my Channelling Course again! And it got me really excited!! I think I needed to let go completely (and in the mean time put it out as an online course) to realize again how much I enjoy teaching this in person too! So I’m looking forward to be teaching another group to open up to communicate with their Guides, Higher Self & Spirit Team again, as these weekends are always so magical!!

If you’re curious, check out www.ankhana.com/channelling-course, or message me if you have any questions or like to book!

With love,
Ankhana

The 5 elements – WATER

I love the elements! There are so many ways to look at them and connect with them. Over the years I’ve been receiving information about the elements and how to work with them. I’m going to share this information with you in a series of messages on social media and blogs on my website. Starting with the basics: a description of each of the 5 elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Spirit.

Today the 2nd element: WATER.

WATER is after EARTH the most physical element, we can still easily touch it and feel it on our skin. It’s the element that is connected to our EMOTIONS. Water reminds us that our emotions need to flow. Stagnant water has a risk of becoming infested with bacteria, it needs to flow to stay clean and pure. The same goes for our emotions. WATER is healing, purifying, cleansing.

When you want to connect with the element of WATER, you can do that by going for a swim in the sea or a natural water, like a river or lake. Or consciously take a bath or shower at home. Or dance in the rain. Feel the water on your skin, fully connecting to the sensations.

You can mindfully drink a glass of pure, fresh water. Savouring every sip.

You can go and visit a natural spring, or maybe an ancient well and honour the water there.

You can connect to the element of WATER by being mindful of the water you use, by not wasting any water. By being grateful for every drop of water that you drink, wash yourself with or use in any way.

There’s all sorts and ways to connect with WATER! What’s your favourite way?

The 5 elements – EARTH

I love the elements! There are so many ways to look at them and connect with them. Over the years I’ve been receiving information about the elements and how to work with them. I’m going to share this information with you in a series of messages on social media and blogs on my website. Starting with the basics: a description of each of the 5 elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Spirit.

Today the 1st element: EARTH.

EARTH is the most physical element of the 5 and is connected to our physical existence, to our PHYSICAL BODY. It’s the element that helps us to be grounded, to root ourselves in the Earth. To be present in our day-to-day experience, to be able to experience life! EARTH is grounding, stabilizing, strengthening.

When you want to connect with the element of EARTH, you can do that by connecting to Mother Earth, also known as Gaia or Pacha Mama. By taking care of the planet, keeping her clean, don’t leave any rubbish in nature. Or even go and do a clean up in nature somewhere. By being loving to all living beings – other humans, as well as animals (even insects!) included.

By being mindful of the products you buy, of how they are made – with respect for the planet.

You can can get your hands dirty in the soil, planting new seeds. Touching the EARTH with your hands. Or go on a barefoot walk, to touch it with your feet! Or go and lay down on the beach or in a forest. Feel the Earth, touch it, observe the sensations of it.

You can connect with the element of EARTH by taking good care of your own body. By nourishing it with good foods, fresh fruits and vegetables coming from the Earth. Especially veggies that grow under the ground are wonderful for you to ground yourself and connect with the element of EARTH.

There’s all sorts and ways to connect with EARTH! What’s your favourite way?

Donation based payment

Since I started working for myself, I struggled with putting a price on my offerings. In a way it felt like a restriction to me. Not because I don’t want to earn money with what I do, or because I don’t value my work or myself, but because it feels unnatural to me. As I realize most people don’t understand this, I’ll try to explain why I’ve decided to work on a donation base and sometimes use a sliding scale fee*.

Like I already said, it’s not that I don’t value my own work, or that I believe you shouldn’t be paid for ‘spiritual work’. On the contrary: I believe there should always be a form of exchange to balance out the energy. If you receive something from someone, it’s good to express your gratitude by returning the favour by giving something back – which can be in money, in nature or by saying a simple “thank you”.

When you’re always giving and aren’t capable of receiving anything, you’ll end up depleted of your energy. When you’re always receiving without ever giving anything back, you’ll be ‘in debt’ energy wise. It doesn’t matter how ‘big’ or ‘small’ it is what you give or receive, as long as there is a form of exchange. Looking from an energy perspective, there’s always a two-way stream that must be remembered and honoured (which is related to your karma as well, but that’s a whole other story).

Also, when you want to assist others through your spiritual offerings, it’s easier to get paid for it so you don’t need to have another job for your income and you can put all your time and energy in your work to serve others. There’s nothing wrong with that!

For me it’s not about if I should get paid for what I do, or if I want to receive money for what I do (yes, please!), but about how much I should or want to get paid/receive. As what can be near to nothing for one person, can be a fortune for someone else. I don’t want to decide what you “owe” me for what I give, I want you to be able to exchange that which feels right to you for what you have received. For what it’s worth to you and for what you are capable of paying.

I know that this is something not everyone will understand and maybe some will even try to benefit from it and pay less than they can or would normally. That’s ok. I trust that everything will balance itself out, as that’s how energy works. Where I might receive less in one place, I will receive more somewhere else. It’s not for me to decide how and where and how much.

For a long time I was struggling with this and I put a price on my offers like everyone else, as that’s what you “should” do. But it never felt right to me, I always felt resistance. With the help from a dear friend I came to realize the resistance wasn’t about receiving money – which I always thought – but about me telling others what to pay. I realized that I’ve always (like in many, many previous lifetimes) served the community without being paid for what I did. I offered my services as a medicine woman, healer, initiate or elder to the community for free and in exchange the community took care of my every need.

Nowadays the world works a little differently and I need money to be capable of sustaining myself. And to be honest: I do like to live a comfortable life, with a nice home, good food, nice things and money to spend. I don’t feel like living a simple, less comfortable, life, just to be able to serve. But to decide for you what you owe me for what I give to you feels unnatural, restricting and just not right to me.

So for my 1-hour Akasha Readings I’ll continue to work on a ‘Donate & Share’ base: you pay what feels right to you and you share about your experience through a review and/or with your friends. For my larger offerings (like my retreats) I’ll use a sliding scale fee, with a set minimum for the hours I put into it (and cannot put into something else), with various options to up the price according to your earnings.

I’m still working out what I’m doing with my other offerings that I already put out at a set price – know that I’m always open to discuss pricing with you according to what feels right to you!

To be clear: I’ll never ask you how much you earn and I’ll never judge the amount you pay me. I trust that you pay me honestly in what feels right to you and what is possible for you. And with that it is right for me! I want to thank you in advance for your generous donations, no matter how ‘big’ or ‘small’, I know they come from your heart and I’m grateful for them.

*My pre-recorded online offerings will have a set price on them, as they can be purchased directly from my website. If anyone finds themselves incapable of paying the price mentioned on my website, they can reach out and discuss a different amount of exchange with me. Extra donations are welcomed as well! :)

PS: All that I’ve shared here is from my own experience and according to what feels right to me. If you feel differently, that’s also good! I don’t judge people who put prices on their offerings, or that choose to live a simple life to be of service. I can only speak for myself and make decisions that feel right to me.

I love myself

I love myself. I love myself enough to choose differently. To choose what is right for ME. To choose that which I know is part of my journey, part of my path. No matter if other people understand or not.

I choose to walk my own path. Without the need to explain, without the need to apologize.

I know that my path is different than yours, I know that my choices are different than yours. But it’s ok, they’re mine to take – not yours.

Let me walk my path, I let you walk yours. And where we meet, we can walk together. Where we differ, we can walk alone. I’m not afraid to walk alone.

This is my path, my journey, my route, my choice. And I love it! And I love myself for taking it. For daring to be different, for following my own way. For trusting my heart. No matter how different.

I love my journey and I love myself enough to keep on going my own way. As this brings me my greatest joy!

Thank you for walking besides me and for allowing me to take my own turns. I love you, and I love me.

Love will guide me, always ❤️
Ankhana, 7th April 2023