Jun
30
Written by:
balancewithgrace
6/30/2006 4:59 PM
There’s a reassuring sense of security that comes with feeling connected to the Earth. When a pilot successfully lands an airplane after a turbulent flight, there’s a collective sigh of relief from passengers who are grateful to be safely back on the ground. It’s also a welcome feeling to set foot on solid ground—terra firma—after spending time at sea. Even the term Mother Earth conjures up images of being nurtured and cradled in protective arms. People who are described as grounded are usually individuals who are centered and secure. Here is a sampling of activities that can help you feel grounded and connected to the earth:
- Go barefoot. Experience a variety of textures underfoot--tickling grass, cool earth, squishy mud, or coarse sand.
- Explore gardens, arboretums, trails, and parks.
- Eat meals outdoors--on your deck, porch, front step, picnic blanket, or park bench.
- Compost. Don’t throw away food scraps, but layer them (only vegetables, no meats, dairy or fats) with pulled weeds and grass and leaf clippings. Water occasionally and turn with a pitchfork. The natural decaying and decomposing process creates incredibly fertile earth. Spread or sprinkle on your garden and lawn to feed plants and replenish the soils nutrients without chemicals.
- Work the soil. Plant flowers, shrubs, vegetables, or herbs and harvest the earth’s bounty. Weeding can be very satisfying—few activities yield such visible results in a short amount of time.
- Wiggle your toes while in any yoga or balancing posture. You’ll find you can move more deeply into the pose or more comfortably sustain it.
- Lie on the earth in a soft bed of grass or pine needles. Camp out in a tent, sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag.
- Hug a tree.
- Build sandcastles.
- Enjoy the earthy scents of freshly mowed grass or my favorite—summer rain on hot pavement or soil.
Practice: Grounding meditation.
Sit quietly in a chair, with your legs uncrossed and bare or stocking feet planted on the floor. If you are able to do this outside in a quiet spot, even better. Bring your awareness to the bottom of your feet. Plant your feet firmly on the ground and imagine roots growing out of the bottom of your feet, connecting you to the earth, and firmly holding you in place. With every exhalation, imagine all negativity, tensions, and toxins leaving your body through these roots. Be assured that this will not harm the Earth, but will be absorbed and transmuted into something good. With every inhale, imagine that you draw in peace and serenity. These roots are like drinking straws that allow you to take in nourishment and sustenance from the Earth. Continue the cycle of breathing until you feel fully released and replenished.
Copyright ©2006 Grace Durfee
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