We tend to concentrate on the above. Looking up, watching
the stars with admiration, letting our thoughts get lost in the great mystery.
We wish to rise, increase, grow, augment - but it is worthless to float into an
endless bubble if we are missing the ground.
Our heart also craves the stability to find balance in life.
Therefore, as much as we try to lift ourselves, we need to send our energy
down, into the Earth.
We are part of the Earth and it is part of us. This Earth is
what we all have in common. This time I would like to put emphasis how we can
consciously cultivate our connection to the ground. What does it mean to get
grounded?
In nature Earth is everything that is solid. So like in our
body 12 % is Earth forming solid structures. Bones, muscles, skin, tissues and
hair are all Earth elements of our physique. In the moments of stability our
body seems to tap into the calmness of the Earth. In those stable moments our
body remains still while our mind find quietness, we are experiencing the
miracle of Now
So how can we find that inner stability, strength and
balance?
The answer seems to be simple: by grounding.
Putting our yogi feet down on the mat we should turn our
attention to the foundation. Just by bringing more “Earth-awareness” into our
practice we can build a firm base of support.
We are able to root down ourselves with steady and solid
poses such as Tadasana (Mountain pose), Vrksasana (Tree pose), Malasana
(Garland pose), Balasana (Child’s pose) and Utkatasana (Chair pose) etc. Feel
the ground under your feet, feel that Mother Earth is holding and supporting
you.
Doing Asanas (yoga postures) is definitely a very efficient
but not the only way of surrendering to gravity. We can explore our connection
with the Planet and the beauty and wonders that it holds by going for a long
stroll into nature. Do you remember when was the last time when you went for
long walk through the forest? Have you ever hugged a tree with your bare arms
and hands?
One of my powerful “Earthy” experiences is related to Nepal.
In October 2014 I had the chance to visit my kind university friend in
Kathmandu and then trek in the stunning Annapurna region. It was a journey of an
amazing variety of landscapes ranging from sub-tropical through alpine peaks to
an arid semi-desert akin to Tibet. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of Annapurna
I (8091 m), Annapurna South (7219 m), Machapuchhre (6993 m) and Hiunchuli (6441
m) it was mostly an inner journey. I was standing and watching this incredibly
spectacular view and actually started to sense my feet on the ground. I became aware that I couldn’t go higher if I
am missing the foundation under my feet.
Realizing that it is the Earth that supports me, I got to
understand that this support, when fully allowed and experienced, not only
energizes me but also helps me to be present.
Going beyond the physical aspects we also find “roots” in our life. Nourishing relationships with family and friends is part of building a firm base of support. Hugging someone, looking into someone’s eyes - in all the moments of connection we are connected to something tangible, the strong Earth.
So let yourself to be grounded! Once you have found your
ground, you are on the path but obstacles will still come. Life will bring you
situations to reinforce your inner stability, strength and balance. Take these
challenges as opportunities knowing that difficult roads often lead to
beautiful destinations. Feel the power within you, feel the support of Pachamama
and feel what it feels to be alive.
