Hey there!
In honor of Earth Day,
Today's short practice is an invitation to slow down and reconnect with the ground beneath you and with the earth and with nature in all her glory.
Find a comfy seat to sit and rest.
Feel free to even imagine sitting under the shade of a tree surrounded by soft grass and colorful wildflowers.
Let your body soften.
Let your breath slow down.
Make any tiny adjustments you need to feel settled and present.
And take a deep breath in through your nose and a long breath out through your mouth,
Signaling to your body that it's time to come inward and to relax.
As you breathe,
Bring awareness to your body's connection with the earth.
Feel the weight of your body as it settles.
Your feet on the floor,
Your legs supported,
Held gently beneath you.
Imagine roots growing from the base of your seat,
Moving downward into the earth,
Like you're plugging into a socket.
These roots don't rush.
They spread slowly,
Naturally,
Finding stability and nourishment.
With each inhale,
Imagine drawing up calm,
Steady energy from the earth,
Cool,
Grounding,
And reliable.
And with each exhale,
Release anything you've been carrying that feels heavy or unnecessary.
Take a few slow breaths here,
Letting the earth do some of the holding for you.
Now bring to mind the natural world around you.
Trees,
Water,
Soil,
Sky.
Notice how nature doesn't hurry,
Yet everything gets done in its own time.
You too are a part of this unrushed nature.
You belong here just like the rivers and oceans,
The flora and fauna,
Just like the clouds and the mountaintops.
You are one with nature,
And you too don't need to rush or be in a hurry,
Especially during this practice.
Take a cycle of breath to plant this idea deep into your heart and soul.
Continue breathing softly and smoothly,
And add to your imaginary surroundings you created for yourself.
Do you notice squirrels scuttling around you?
Are there bees and butterflies fluttering about?
What birds do you hear?
What blossoms or fruits are in season at this moment?
Offer a moment of gratitude for the steadiness the earth provides you,
Providing food,
Shelter,
Air,
Water.
Reflect on the simple fact that you are here,
Sharing this time,
Sharing this planet.
Think of a few ways nature brings joy into your life.
With beautiful flowers,
Clean air,
The sweetest fruits,
Sound of rain,
The smell of fresh herbs and spices,
Nature's bounty is endless.
Keeping the connection with the earth as best as you can,
Come back to your breath and body,
Into the space you're in right now.
Feeling supported,
Rooted and connected,
The earth is here for you.
And until next time,
Take good care.
