Lying there in the grass…
Last weekend, I laid down on the Earth for the first time in like 20 years.
Maybe more if I’m being completely honest.
I was attending a virtual forest bathing walk led by my dear friend and fellow Forest Therapy Guide, Regan Stacey of Awaken the Forest Within, and during one of the invitations, I felt a nudge to lie down on the luscious green grass carpeting the meadow I was standing in.
As I lay there, noticing my stomach pressing against the ground, I tried to remember when I last felt the sensation of the ground holding my whole body. And shockingly, I couldn’t really remember.
As a teen, I remember sprawling out on a beach blanket in the sand, but since then, if my family goes on a beach vacation, I always sit in a beach chair. Why?
As a kid, I was always rolling around on the ground, lying on hills while gazing at clouds, etc. But over time, I’ve been conditioned to be “grown up” and adults don’t roll around on the ground. I mean what would the neighbors think if they saw me lying face down in the middle of my backyard?
I realize now I have to do some thought work around this and also I need to get out there and just do it because you know what?
It feels really good.
The same realization happened a few months ago during a walk after a really tough day. I heard a voice say, “Take your shoes off and stand in the grass.” (In February, by the way.)
So, I stood there and felt into the contact, imaging the stress and anxiety leaving my body and being absorbed by Mother Earth.
It feels really good.
I invite you to try it. When you’re feeling a negative emotion - anger, sadness, fear, or anxiety - seek the Earth’s support. Go outside and lie on the ground. (Physically is best, but you can also imagine yourself doing it if that’s your only option.) Ask Mother Earth to draw the emotion out of your body. Imagine it leaving and absorbing into soil. No need to worry you’re polluting the ground. Like excrement, she will take the energy and compost it. Let the cool damp soil be your soothing healing balm and give yourself the time to be held by her.
And speaking of Mother Earth, April 22 is Earth Day. Even though honoring and protecting the earth is a year-round effort, perhaps do something extra to give back. One of my favorite ways is to support the reforestation work of organizations like One Tree Planted and TreeSisters. In fact, if you walk with me or retreat with me, I plant one tree in the Appalachian mountains in your honor through One Tree Planted.
If you would like to give back in this way, please check out the schedule of upcoming walks and retreats. I recently added 2 dates for the popular Unplug & Recharge day retreats (July 17th and September 18th) and I would love to spend the day in Magic Tree Sanctuary’s forest with you.
Otherwise, consider this your reminder to go outside...
Forest Love,
Julie
You are not Atlas carrying the world on your shoulder. It is good to remember that the planet is carrying you. ― Vandana Shiva