Embodied Practice & Journal Prompt
The Medicine of the Earth:
Earth is the force that grounds us, steadies us and holds us center as the world around us spins. Earth energy brings us into our bodies and invites us into deep rest. Earth bestows resources, abundance and nourishment. With the gifts of the earth within us, we can meet the dynamic nature of life with ease and persevere through life’s challenges. Your ability to hold another, that is the earth loving through you. The earth is there with us when our foundation gets shaken by the winds that blow. Let the earth hold you, steady you, and love you.
Practice:
This practice helps our bodies recalibrate when we feel anxious, unsettled, and/or disconnected. We can also use this practice when we are unable to rest, are experiencing fatigue, or when sleep is difficult. Overtime, this practice builds earth energy within us, helping us cultivate steadiness, solidity and stability. You might explore doing this practice for 15-30 minutes daily during stressful times or periods of transition. I also like to do this practice when traveling as a way of grounding after a flight or car ride.
While doing this practice, you might notice subtle releases in the body. We are often so busy that we don’t have time to fully digest or let our bodies deeply rest. If you notice gurgling in the belly, the movement of air, or a felt dance of light down your legs and arms, know that these are all natural and healing sensations. Sometimes, we might feel heavier or even tired after this practice; this is often a sign that the body was able to do some deeper healing.
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To begin, find a safe and quiet place to lie down. You could put a blanket out in your backyard or find a secluded spot in a park. Or, simply create a comfortable space on the floor. Bring a journal with you if you wish to write after the practice.
If you’re feeling restless or anxious, you might lie with your belly down or place a heavy blanket on top of you for extra weight. If you are outside, be sure to bundle up as your body temperature will cool down during this practice. You can set a timer for 20 minutes or rest as long as you’d like here.
Settle in. Rest your arms down on the earth or let them fold onto your belly, chest or hips. Allow the weight of your bones to drop. Let yourself recede now into the ground beneath you. Scan your body and notice the places in which your body connects to the earth below. Attune to the sounds around you, the breath within you. Sense and feel.
Is there an intention you carry with you today? Is there anything you would like the earth to help you hold? Take a moment to reflect as you enter into the practice. You may choose to close the eyes or settle your gaze up into the sky. Relinquish yourself to the stillness. Let the earth hold you. After 15-30 minutes, slowly rise to a seat. Notice what you feel.
Prompt:
Journal about your experience. Do you notice any shifts in your body, mind, or spirit? What was challenging? What qualities of the earth do you see within yourself? What qualities do you wish to harness and cultivate? Is there anything in your life that you would like to ask the earth to hold with you?
From Darkness, I Rise 