When life gets busy, it can be easy to get caught up in day-to-day tasks and responsibilities of life. This is natural and human. Getting caught in the daily grind can leave us with little time or energy to focus on the things that matter most to us.
It is important to recognize when we're feeling overwhelmed or distracted. Our feelings and discomfort offer us an invitation to refocus on what we value.
Aligning with what we value can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment to our lives, as we live in accordance with our deepest beliefs and principles.
It is challenging to identify our deepest longings when we are moving through the world at 100 mph. Imagine driving at the speed. At this pace all of our efforts must be focused on what's directly in front if us in order to preserve safety.
There may be some parts of driving fast that feel exciting and exhilarating. Yet, these are not without consequence. We take the risk of hurting ourselves and others at this pace. When we are moving so quickly, we are disconnected from our experience. When we are 'speeding' through life, we cannot fully enjoy the view.
It is important to use our discomfort as an opportunity to create some space to listen. In some moments this may feel easy. It may be as simple as packing a nutritious lunch, sitting by the water, journaling, pointing our face at the sunshine.
In other moments this may feel especially challenging. When we are experiencing painful things in life like the loss of love, opportunities or relationships, it can be hard to take an invitation to 'feel better." We may not even want to, "feel better"
Aligning with our roots is not about feeling better. It is about belonging and connection. It is important to create spaces for ourselves where we can show up feeling messy, without judgment.
During challenging times this might look like allowing yourself to be held. It may look like taking time off. It may look like connecting to one of the elders in your tribe of life to receive wisdom.
Connecting to our roots invites us to honor our wholeness. Aligning with our roots allows us to foundationally reconnect with our truth and feel grounded (even when we have pain and discomfort).
Be patient with yourself as you practice.
Close your eyes and begin to become aware of your breath. Take a few deep breaths in through your nose, and then out through your mouth.
Visualize yourself standing on the ground, feeling your feet firmly planted on the earth. Imagine roots growing from your feet deep into the ground, anchoring you to your roots and your heritage.
As you inhale, imagine yourself drawing in the nourishment and strength from the earth, up through your roots and into your body. As you exhale, imagine any stress, tension, or negative energy leaving your body and flowing back down through your roots and into the earth
Say to yourself,
"I am connected to the earth and all living things."
"I am supported by the earth beneath me."
"I am strong and resilient, like a tree with deep roots."
Spend some time here breathing and visualizing yourself as a strong and rooted tree, supported by the earth beneath you.
When you're ready, take a few deep breaths and slowly open your eyes.
Photo by Mandy Martin
"To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul." - Simone Weil
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