Earth Day reaffirms our ancient connection to Earth and the cycles of nature that are at the root of all life. Across the world April 22nd serves as a reminder that we are a part of something larger, and by reconnecting to the whole, we have the opportunity to strengthen our relationship to one another and to source.
According to Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old comprehensive system of medicine from India, we are actually a direct reflection of nature — a microcosm of the macrocosm — and our bodies comprise of the same five elements that make up the natural world: ether, air, fire, water and earth. The sky and cosmos is made of etheric space and so are our minds. Air moves all around us and also within us as breath. Fire provides warmth, light and transformative powers on both levels. Water flows down streams and throughout the body. And, Earth, well it is the function of gravity and stability, and just as Mother Earth is solid and supportive, this element provides the metaphorical foundation for our individual mind-body health, our relationships and communities — of connection, itself.
As we began to see these elements within and around us, we align with this ancient wisdom of connectedness: of processes within the mind & body, of each being with other beings and between ourselves and Mother Nature. The latter relationship is so essential for human health and harmony that there’s a saying in Ayurveda: “All the herbs in the world won’t heal us if we’re not living in harmony with Nature”.
So, to promote healing and balance within yourself and within your surroundings, take some time today to realign with the elements by connecting with the earthy qualities within yourself. Here’s how:
MEDITATE
In meditation you can connect with the earth element by feeling into it’s qualities in your physical body: your bones, muscles, protective tissue and organs, etc. Next, extend your awareness to the earth element supporting your body as you sit: the wall, floor, building and the structures beyond. Then, allow your attention to include the environment around you: trees, plants, dirt and grass. As your awareness ripples out to connect to with this element, consider how similar these three sources of support are— that the earth element within you and outside yourself is one and the same, an ever-changing part of a greater whole.
AFFIRM
- By nourishing myself, I nourish the universe.
- I celebrate connect and consciousness give thanks for the forces that support it.
- I am anchored and connected to Mother Earth.
RECONNECT
Take a leisurely walk in nature. Sit by a stream or lie on the earth and feel it hold you—feel its unconditional embrace. Listen for birds singing or the sounds of squirrels scurrying about. Hold a rock, a fallen feather or leaf… allow yourself time to reconnect and tune into nature. Mother Earth is generous and provides you with all the resources you need to survive. And, you can receive her healing benefits just by being in contact with her. No words, no expectations.
REMEMBER
“The earth does not belong to man,
man belongs to the earth.
All things are connected,
like blood connects one family.
Whatever befalls the earth
befalls the children of the earth.
Man did not weave the web of life,
he is merely a strand in it.
What he does to the web, he does to himself.”
~ Chief Seattle, 1786-1866
PRACTICE YOGA
By establishing a strong foundation when you practice, you create a sense of feeling grounded, anchored and stable.
- Mountain Pose (Tadasana)
- Feel each of your toes and all four corners of your foot firmly pressed into the mat.
- Downward Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
- Establish your feet like you did in mountain pose and do the same with your hands. As you root into the mat notice that the stability allows you to energetic lift your of your feet and wrists.
- Tree Pose (Vrksasasna)
- Balancing on one leg improves your stability, concentration and the strength in your legs, our metaphorical “trunks”.
- Warrior 1 & 2 Poses (Virabhadrasana I & II)
- It’s hard not to feel like an Earth warrior or goddess in this pose. With both feet firmly planted, drive your weight down through your legs while also feeling the upward current of energy the strengthens you.
- Low Yogi Squat (Malasana)
- The earth element is associated with the Root (Muladhara) Chakra, which is located at the base of the spine and the pelvic floor. Set up the pose and then close your eyes and visualize a channel of light like a large tree root extending from the base of your spine deep into the core of the Earth. Both the earth element and Muladhra Chakra are associated with security, safety, and stability. Give yourself a few moments to connect with this energy before moving on.
- Corpse Pose (Shavasana)
- Allow your entire body to release into the support beneath you as you visualize yourself being held by the Earth.
DO ANYTHING… that connects you to the qualities of stability, nourishment, safety and connection. Afterall, caring for the Earth and all its elements is a journey both inwards and outwards. And as John Muir once said, “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”
