Our world is currently in the midst of a pandemic, so it goes without saying that many of us are feeling insecure, anxious, unsafe and unstable. In the midst of all the chaos connecting your body to the Earth is one way of way of grounding and restoring your sense of equilibrium.
The following seven steps will help you create a connection to Mother Earth and vitalize your body at the same time:
1. Find a Natural Environment
The more natural the environment, the better, so head outside and find a quiet place to roam.
2. Remove Your Shoes
Most shoes are made with plastic or rubber soles, both of which inhibit the absorption of electric charge from the Earth. Take off your shoes and sink your feet into the Earth. Feel the texture, temperature, and density beneath your feet.
3. Walk Slowly and Mindfully
Slowly lift one foot and place it down in front of the other. Move so slowly that you can feel the weight shift from your heel to the middle of your foot to your toes.
Pay attention to any subtle changes as you slowly move from one foot to the other. Notice how the entire body engages its muscles to maintain balance. Observe the weight of the body as it begins to shift. The hips move slightly from left to right, the core engages, and the shoulders pull back.
4. Synchronize Your Breath
Inhale as your left foot steps forward. Exhale as your right foot steps forward. Take full, deep, rhythmic, and slow breaths.
Remember that you are not walking for exercise. Rather, you are integrating meditation with movement. The slower your breath is, the slower your steps will be. The slower your steps are, the calmer your mind will be.
5. Integrate a Mantra
A very simple mantra can help your mind stay focused on the walking meditation. Simply repeating “Inhale-Exhale” may be enough. If you prefer the vibration of a Sanskrit mantra, try “So Hum.” Mentally repeat one word as you inhale and the other as you exhale.
6. Let Go of Your Worries
With each step you take, release your cares, concerns, burdens, and worries to Mother Earth. Feel them sinking into the ground, leaving you lighter with each step.
7. Express Gratitude
When you are ready to come out of the meditation, stand with your feet parallel and hip-distance apart. Take three deep breaths, and with each one, give thanks to Mother Earth for receiving and dissolving everything that does not support you.
You can simply repeat, “Thank you,” or give thanks for something specific. Either way, let gratitude spring up from within and carry you out of your meditation and back into your day. Practice your walking meditation for as little or as much time as you want. Even a minute or two of this meditation can work wonders.
By practicing earthing with a walking meditation, you will find that your body and mind can be revitalized in new and exciting ways. Now, that is something positive.
Erin Easterly, Ayurvedic Therapist and Educator, and Yoga Teacher
Published on www.chopra.com 29/09/2016