The Secrets of the Elements

A New Discovery

"Aaaahh!" they screamed as the car hit the land slightly. The sand on the windows blew way with the air. They could see a vast beach in front of them.

"You gotta be kidding me," said Ray, bemused.

Advika stepped out and glanced at the golden sand beneath her feet. The others got out of the car. Tej locked the car and put the keys in his pocket. "I wonder how we got here and how'd we return?" he said.

A warm breeze swirled around them, sending their hair in all different directions.

"Maybe this happened because somebody was following us," said Zarna and wore her hat. "Or else," said Maya. "The book knew somebody was coming, so the forest didn't appear."

"Right," said Advika. "But where is the book?"

"It has to be somewhere here," said Tej. "Without the book, there can't be a forest or beach or... whatever."

"I haven't been to a beach in a long time," said Zarna and strolled towards the shore. "We're supposed to find the book, dear," said Maya and put her hand in the air when Zarna swivelled and smiled apologetically. 

Advika closed her eyes and took in the fresh air, listening with both an open heart and ear, the waves crashing against a nearby rock.

"The book!" she said and ran towards the rock.

"I think there's some connection between the rock and book," said Zarna. "It's from the time when we left the book by mistake on the rock, in the forest," said Ray. "Yes, we were so scared, we just ran for our lives," said Zarna.

"The first time we took the book to this barren land, in a hope to read it, maintaining complete secrecy", began Maya. "And the forest started... the trees began to uproot and diminish... we just ran away..."

"Leaving the book on the rock," added Ray.

"I wish we were carrying a frisbee," said Zarna and pouted. "Seriously, Zarna," said Maya and nodded her head.

Advika came back with the book. "Let's begin then," she said. "Did it cross your mind that we've probably teleported to a beach, and we don't know how to go back?" asked Maya and tied her hair into a bun. "Yes," said Advika and sat on the sand. "This place will disappear like the forest, and send us back from where we came."

Zarna stared at the sandy beach before them. "Water," she said and strolled towards the vast, deep blue ocean. "Zarna, I think we should concentrate on practising," said Advika. "Exactly," said Zarna as she playfully strolled towards the water and removed her scandals. The first thing she felt was the salty air, and the cold water touches her feet. 

"Zarna! Come back here," called Maya and kept her hands on her hips. "Maybe, she's trying to feel the energy of the water, feel the element," said Advika and opened the book. The wind blew her hair across her face. "My clip," she said and swivelled. "Here," said Tej handing a hair clip to her. "It was in the car," he said. "Thanks," she said. "Let me hold the book for you," he said.

Advika tied her hair into a bun as Tej opened the book. 

"Wow, the next page revealed," he said. Ray and Maya rushed towards him and peeped in the book. 

"Master the art of thoughtlessness," red Tej. Zarna came back running. "What does it say?" she asked.

"Sit down in a calm environment and focus on your chakras," read Tej. "I bet you know about them, Maya and Advika," said Ray. "Yes," said the girls in unison. 

"Let's all sit down and practice then," said Tej.

They all sat down on the sand cross-legged keeping their palms on their lap. "Shed some light on the chakras first," said Ray. Maya looked at Advika, motioning her to began. 

"We have seven chakras in our body, each representing energy centres and associated with a part of our body," began Advika. "The root chakra is the first chakra of the body and is located in the base of the spine. Its role is to connect your mind, body and soul with the Earth. Colour of the chakra is red."

"The second chakra, that is the sacral is right below the belly button... three inches below the navel to be precise. This chakra is associated with the lymphatic system and is responsible for expressing emotions. Colour orange," said Maya.

"The third chakra is located behind the naval region below the rib cage. It is associated with self-confidence, self-discipline and wisdom. Colour yellow," said Advika.

"The fourth chakra is known as the heart chakra and is associated with love and compassion. 

It is located in the centre of the chest and is responsible for emotional healing and sound mental health. Colour green," said Maya.

"It should have been red in colour, as it's near the heart," said Ray and winked.

"The fourth, that is the throat chakra is right above the heart and is responsible for expressing the truth and sharing your opinion with others. Colour blue," said Advika.

"The sixth chakra is the third eye chakra, which is responsible for garnering information about yourself and beyond the materialistic world. It is in between eyebrows. Colour indigo," said Maya.

"The seventh chakra is known to be responsible for the direct connection with the almighty and the conscious energy. This chakra is on the top of your head. Colour violet," said Advika.

"Okay, hard time remembering the colours," said Zarna and sighed. "You'll get a hold of it, don't worry," said Advika. 

"Sit quietly for a moment and take a few deep breaths. Let tension and stress slide away for a moment," read Tej.

The others followed the instructions.

"Now, bring your attention to the base of your spine, and imagine a bright spinning red light. Feel it pulsing and rotating with your breath."

"Wait," said Advika. The others opened their eyes. "Why don't we read it first, understand it, and then practice, all of us together," she suggested.

"Cool," said Ray.

"Read ahead, Tej," said Maya.

"Move your attention to your spine, the area a couple of inches below your belly button. Feel the warmth of a bright, orange spinning light," recited Tej. "Okay, so this is the second chakra, colour orange," said Zarna.

"Pay attention to the place above your belly button. Feel the intense yellow light rotating in that spot. Then, bring your attention further up to the centre of your chest where your heart is. This area harnesses a bright green light," read Tej.

"We also need to feel the energy flowing in these chakras," added Advika. "Yes, visualization is important in such exercises," said Maya. "The only exercise which doesn't makes you girls tired," joked Ray. "Very funny," said Maya and faked a smile.

"Moving on," began Tej. "Bring your attention to your throat, the dip in between your collar bones. Imagine a bright blue light spinning in that area. Next, move your attention up to space between your eyebrows, your third eye. This area holds a deep indigo light. Imagine it spinning and becoming brighter. Finally, shift your attention to the very top of your head. Imagine a vibrant, spinning violet light that shines right out of the top of your body. This light connects you to the universe. Feel the peace that comes with noticing this light."

Tej let out a sigh. "The remaining pages are still blank."

"First, we should master this, only then will the book reveal to us the next pages," said Advika.

"Let's begin then, before its 4," said Maya and glanced at her wristwatch.