Music is life. If you're still not quite sure what the heck I'm talking about when I say "The Wood Element", check out this list of songs on my "Wood Element Playlist" to get a better understanding of what this ancient wisdom looks like in our modern lives....
Note: Some of the videos posted have explicit lyrics.
#1 Green Garden by Laura Mvula
The color of the Wood Element is green, and its season is the Spring when the plant world emerges from the darkness of Winter. So Green Garden not only literally references the Wood Element, it also energetically conveys the freedom and ease that the Wood Element gifts us. We often associate joy and happiness with the Fire element. However, the Wood Element brings us contentment and satisfaction- a smile on the inside that knows all is right in the world. This song puts me right in that space, each and every time.
#2 We can Make it Better by Kanye West, Talib Kweli, Q-tip, Common, and Rhymefest
The last acupuncture point on the Yin Wood meridian is called Gate of Hope. The Wood Element not only brings us hope, but also a vision for the future to strive towards. Its helps us reconcile the tension between peace and passivity in the struggle against oppression. This song deals with social injustices- an aspect of the Wood Element- but it's softness evokes the gentle, inspired hope that we each and all can make it better.
#3 Run the World (Girls) by Beyonce
The Liver, the organ associated with the Wood Element, is also called "the General", so the militaristic vibe of Beyonce's Run the World (Girls) earns its spot on the Wood Element playlist. Besides that, there isn't a woman alive who doesn't feel a little bit more like conquering the world- or at least, her to-do list- after hearing this song. And the Wood Element is all about getting it done- now.
#4 Dispear by Nas & Damian Marley
Speaking of military vibe, next on the list we come to Dispear. An archetype of the Wood Element is the Warrior- especially the Spiritual Warrior. Between the evocation of ancestral warriors and the rhythmic war cry, this song transports me to past lives putting on war paint while preparing for battle. And in typical Wood element fashion, Nas's voice and lyrics cut unflinchingly straight to the point.
#5 Let the Wind Blow by Fertile Ground
I love all songs from Fertile Ground- yes, every song from every album. This song makes the list because the Wood Element is also referred to as Wind, and you can hear all the Wind instruments in this song. The Wood Element helps us navigate the winds of change. The song also evokes a sense of aspiration and 'striving to become', which are signatures of the Wood Element.
#6 B*tch Don't Kill My Vibe by Kendrick Lamar This song made the list because it's all about BOUNDARIES, and the Wood Element helps us assert our boundaries with others. Its my go-to anthem for when I need S P A C E, another aspect of the Wood energetic. And I love the line, "Even a small lighter can burn a bridge..." I don't know if this means that even a small argument can kill a relationship, OR if even the smallest actions can have a big impact. Either way, both are relevant for describing the energetic of Wood.
#7 Caught Out There by Kelis
Ok.... this is Wood gone really, really, really wrong. The emotion associated with the Wood element is anger and its many manifestations- from minor irritability to full blown rage. Especially when there's pent-up resentment and frustration that stems from the inability to make a change in your life. Enter Kelis and all this madness. If ever you should find yourself trashing the house screaming "AHHHGGGGG, I HATE YOU SO MUCH RIGHT NOW!!!" (and who hasn't been there?), then I suggest you proceed to your nearest acupuncturist and get your Wood Element worked on. I'm just sayin'.
Now that you know a little more about the Wood Element, what other songs should be on the playlist? Comment below!
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