Welcome to a meditation for finding shelter,
Protection,
And strength through grounding.
Begin in a position that is comfortable for you,
Either sitting or lying down,
Allowing the body to sink into the earth and be supported by the earth.
Close the eyes and allow them to soften.
Allow the neck and shoulders to soften,
Letting go of any tension that might have been stored there.
Release the excess baggage of any stress or worries you might be carrying,
For you will not need those on this journey.
During this practice,
You might choose to perform the Prithvi Mudra by touching the tips of the thumb and ring fingers together while allowing the other fingers to remain straight and relaxed.
This mudra for grounding is also known as the earth seal.
Always know that you are in a safe environment and sacred space.
Visualize the body resting upon the earth.
The parts of the body touching the earth.
The entire body being supported by the earth.
Now bring the awareness to the sound of the breath as it flows freely and naturally.
With each inhale,
The body is becoming more and more relaxed.
Allow this feeling of relaxation to grow inch by inch throughout the body.
Inhale stability and protection.
Exhale any worries or fears.
Breathe in a sense of strength.
Breathe out whatever does not contribute to your stability.
Allow the breath to invite energy into the root chakra,
The Muladhara,
Which is at the base of the spine,
The center of grounding and belonging.
In your mind's eye,
See yourself sitting under a sturdy oak tree.
You immediately feel a warming energy here,
A connection to peace and security.
As you lean into the mighty oak,
You feel secure and protected by the tree.
You feel supported by the earth,
Grounded and secure.
You are in a safe haven now.
No harm will come to you here.
You are welcome here.
You are wanted here.
Spend a few moments now finding comfort and rest in this visualization of yourself within this sacred and protected space.
As you continue in this mindful rest,
You become aware of the oak tree's roots that are near you.
You notice how firm and stable,
How far-reaching they are,
Practically mirroring the branches above you.
Because of its expansive root system,
The oak tree is regarded as a symbol of wisdom,
Courage,
And endurance.
Take a few moments now,
Feeling yourself grounding like the mighty oak,
Connecting with the earth to draw in that same strength and might,
Connecting with your own courage,
Your own endurance.
See yourself as being sturdy and immovable,
Able to withstand the test of any storm.
See,
Sense,
And feel that the more deeply you are grounded,
The more easily you are able to reach for the sky at the same time.
Realize that the more you are grounded,
The more you are able to expand.
As you consider this,
The sturdy oak tree whispers a message to you.
Remember to be strong,
Despite the challenges you are presented with,
Yet remain hospitable and offer shelter to others as well.
Spend a few moments now absorbing this message,
Feeling yourself centered,
Grounded,
And filled with strength.
Bring your awareness back to the breath,
The natural,
Quiet breath going in and out of the body.
Maintain awareness of the breath and feel it growing stronger and steadier.
Take a slow,
Conscious,
Deep breath in and let it go completely.
Allow the mind to become external now.
Begin to invite subtle movements into the hands and feet,
The fingers and toes.
Take another deep breath and release it slowly.
Breathe in a sense of strength.
Breathe out whatever does not contribute to your stability.
When you are ready,
Begin to open the eyes.
May you always be surrounded by love and light.
The crow flies from me to thee,
To send the message,
Blessed be.
