Earthwise Walking

Getting ready

Playfully, imagine yourself as a tree - a tree that can walk!

If it is comfortable, stand with feet planted on the ground. If you are outside, you can take off your shoes to feel more connected with the earth. You can also sit or lie down for this grounding meditation. Imagine your back as a trunk and that you have long roots that grow from the bottom of your feet, deep into the Earth.

Take a moment to scan your body, noticing any areas of tension. You may wish to gently move or realign your body so you are in a relaxed position.

Firstly we will close your eyes and take a deep breath in though the nose, feeling our lungs expand. Breathe deeply in through your nose, and exhale through your mouth, focusing on the sound of your breath and the bodily sensations of breathing.

Then let it all out with a big exhale, imagining all the energy you were hanging on to is flowing out of your body, down through your roots, and into the Earth.

We will breath like this for nine more times.

For the first three breaths, breathe into any physical tension you are holding in your body; then, exhaling release it down through your roots into the Earth. 

For the second three breaths, breathe into any emotional tensions you are holding, notice where you are holding emotional tension in your body, then exhaling let that tension be released down through your roots into the Earth.

For the last three breaths, breath into any mental tension or worries you are holding, notice where you are holding mental tension in your body, then exhaling let that tension be released down through your roots into the Earth.

Now simply relax and stay with the breath. Use your breathing to focus you and help you slow down your body’s internal activity.

Earthwise Walking

Become aware of where you are standing, such as in an open field with perhaps the sun shining down upon you.

Bring awareness to your feet and first notice them in contact with the ground. Now feel them firmly anchored to the ground. Now imagine strong roots extending from the bottoms of your feet, pushing downward through the surface below, eventually reaching into the soil below.

Now begin to walk slowly. With each step, feel your roots reaching even deeper into the earth, winding around rocks, and pushing deep through the many layers of cool, dark earth. Your roots grow and spread both downward and outward with each step.

Feel yourself anchored very solidly to the ground by your extensive root system.

As you become more anchored, feel your body, your trunk, straight and strong. Feel your leafy branches extend upward toward the warm sun.

Letting go of stress

As you are walking and breathing, imagine with each exhale, that you are pushing any tension or stress down toward your feet and out through your roots into the surrounding soil. 

Feel tension draining from your eyes, your jaw, your shoulders, your chest, your belly, and all areas of your body.

Notice how is receptive the Earth is and how the ground absorbs what you want to release. Feel grateful and lighter as you begin to “clear”. 

Breathing in feelings of well-being

When you feel properly grounded, solid and stable yet also light and free take a deep breath and reverse the process.

Absorb healing and calming energy from the Earth.

As you breathe in through your nose, imagine with each breath that your roots are absorbing healing white light.

Feel the rich nutrients of the Earth gently feeding your root system until it reaches the trunk of your body. Feel the light entering your legs, your stomach, your chest, your arms, hands and finally your head.

Be aware of this sense of oneness with the earth as you walk.

Feel this grounded, earthly energy fill your body, washing over you with feelings of well-being. Feel the solid support of the ground beneath you. Let stability and rootedness enter your body.

Feel the sun shining down on your body, and know that with each ray of sunshine, you have the ability to create your own energy. Feel warmth from sunlight warm your heart as a source of power, inspiration, and joy.

As you move through space, connect the spaciousness all around you to the spaciousness of your mind. Allow that vast open spaciousness to quiet any restlessness, agitation, or distracting thoughts. Rest nourished in the peacefulness of vast acceptance.

Ending your walk

When you are ready to end your walk, take a moment to check in with how you are feeling. See how you are one with the earth, and one with the sky – solid, steady and expansive. You are able to both sway with the breeze and be connected and grounded. Continue carrying the grounded energy with you through the rest of the day.