Get Earthy can be “worth-y”!

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.