Where are you right now?

Gentle Practices for Deepening your Connection to the Earth

Where are you right now? Do you feel close, or distant from the Earth?

The truth is that wherever you are, you are intimately connected to the natural world all around you, around us. More and more people are realizing that being in nature is not only deeply restorative for the mind, body and soul—it is so much more: we are made by the Earth, held and cared for by the Earth. And that relationship is reciprocal: we have the natural ability to make, hold and care for the Earth in our own way. So no matter where you are, or what you are feeling, you are connected to and nurtured by a profoundly powerful and healing source. 

In these immensely volatile and complex times it can be challenging to feel as if we are standing on solid ground—especially when the Earth itself is shifting, struggling and breaking down. This reality can cause overwhelming eco-anxiety and grief. And it raises the question, “How can I feel safe, grounded and cared for by the Earth, when the Earth is unwell, the Earth needs my help?” There are no easy answers, but there are small steps we can take that are more powerful than we might think. I like to think of it as “checking in” on the Earth, while you check in on yourself. 

Here are some of my own practices that I hope will inspire you to try out your own ways of deepening your connection to the Earth.

First, situate yourself.

Where can you go to find respite? Somewhere with grass, a tree, perhaps a pond or a running stream. Don’t ever doubt that a city does not count. You can find cheeky birds and squirrels, raccoons, maybe even coyotes roaming…there are tree roots patiently finding their way between the concrete and sewer lines here in Toronto. There are also gardens, parks and ravines. Perhaps you are not far from some lush and rolling hills, forest, or beach. 

Now, take a walk, or have a seat on a blanket or right on the ground. What do you notice about this place? Be patient as your mind may be buzzing when you land there. Then slowly, surely, your breath will slow, and your ears will become more aware of all the layers of sound beyond your mind. Leaves rustle, birds sing, water flows. Keep going until you hear surprising new sounds. Let your thoughts fall away. 

What does your skin notice about the air, the temperature? What colours and shapes do you notice that you had not seen before? Is the ground damp or dry? Are there insects scurrying around you? Continue on this journey, wherever it may lead you. You are checking in on the Earth.

Next, do the same for yourself. How does your body feel, are you holding on to any tension? Don’t be afraid to lay down, take off your shoes and place your bare feet in the grass or on the soil. Perhaps do some gentle yoga stretches or meditate. You can even bring an instrument, some art supplies, a journal, a craft, a book—the options are endless. Lose yourself in a practice, but keep an ear to the air, and feel that life energy circulating all around you. Notice how the sun feels on your face, and let your muscles relax. If you feel called to check in on your thoughts, be gentle when thinking about the challenges or successes you’re working on—and, leave space for a new understanding or perspective to come through! 

Just let everything settle around you. One of the best ways to do this is to go for a swim, and let yourself float on the surface, to be held weightless by the life-giving water, as if you’re back in the womb. 

These are just some examples of practices for gently growing your connection to the Earth. You will feel rejuvenated, refocused, and uplifted, and doors will open into a deeper relationship with the Earth. Take a quiet moment to give thanks to the Earth for these gifts. 

You might wonder what good these practices can do for the Earth? I like to think of these pockets of nature where we can go to find rest and inspiration as touchstone places, because when we spend time here and become mindful of this place, and come to know it better over time, we are naturally learning to care for this place. Just by being here, the Earth knows that you have not forgotten about her. Perhaps you will go on to water a community garden plot, pick invasive caterpillars off of a tree, pick up trash, nurture a new green space, set up a bee hotel or a plant pollinator garden. But there’s no rush…first, let yourself just be here.

It’s also important to learn about the history of the land, whose territory you reside on and choose to visit, and who may be leading efforts to protect and restore the land. If you want to become more involved, you probably do not need to start from scratch! You can plug in to initiatives and projects by learning from your community and those who are taking the lead. 

These are small acts of reconnection that vibrate across the entire planet. From there, we can all grow strength and momentum to better care for ourselves, and care for the Earth as one great community.