Our Primary and Influencing Essences are intrinsic parts of our being. 

This means that they come naturally to us, and that we experience their key characteristics without much effort at all. 

If any of the personas we just learned about or the associated activities we suggested left you feeling stressed or unfulfilled, then they clearly do not belong to your Essential Way of Being. 

Each element may make appearances in various seasons of your life, sometimes out of pure necessity. The rule of thumb is that if it feels like work, it is not your Essential Way of Being, or who you are at your core.

Let's go back to the first assignment we gave you. 

• Are they creative, eclectic, and funky? (Water)
• Or do they tend more toward the sporty and athletic? (Wood)
• Is looking sexy or dramatic important to you? (Fire)
• Are you someone who prefers chilling out in comfy duds? (Earth)
• Or do you only feel right if you're dressed to the nines in something elegant? (Metal)