Nature's Power: 4 Earth-Energy Meditations for a Happier You

Start using these non-traditional, Earth-based tools to build your mindfulness muscle and increase the love and contentment in your life.

Earth-Walking Meditation

Whether you’re walking to the store, to work, outside during your lunch break, or as part of a fitness routine, the simple task of walking can be meditative. Before you even take your first step, set your intention to come into the present moment.

Stand still. Breathe in deeply. Exhale. 

Feel the sensations in your body: Where does it feel warm; what areas are cool? As you begin to walk, recognize the ways your whole body is involved in this activity. Feel your joints move, your muscles stretch, the clothes rub against your skin, the pattern of your breath.

Feel the ball of your foot hit the earth and the way the weight of your body shifts as you move forward. Scan your body for tension. Release it by allowing excess energy to be absorbed into the earth, while gentle Gaia energies replenish and balance your body.

Feeling Meditation

Trees can be wonderful meditation teachers. They are not rigid and unmoving; if you look closely, they sway and bend. They flow, giving way to powerful winds. They also don’t seek distractions from the present moment or withhold love from various limbs. They stand tall, embodying the totality of their essence, while surrendering to the temporary elements, just as we must.

Go outside and find a place you can comfortably sit or stand undistracted for a few minutes. This could be a park bench, your front stoop, or under your favorite tree. Close your eyes and go within.

Silently ask yourself, “What am I feeling in this moment?” Allow yourself to move into the feelings without judgment or commentary. Just feel. Accept all of what is inside you. Emotions are temporary sensations. Give them your attention and they, too, will pass.

If it gets too uncomfortable or you get distracted, gently bring your attention back to the sensations inside of you. Breathe.

Nature-Sensations Meditation

Need to water the lawn, tend to the garden, or just find yourself alone near a patch of grass? Do you pass by a park on your way home from work, or even just a stretch of a few trees? If time and circumstance (or the season) permits, remove your shoes so your bare feet can directly connect with the earth.

Focus on your body. Feel the breeze on your skin. Feel the sun warming your face, or the damp coolness in the shadows. Hold your attention to the physical sensations. Breathe in. Can you smell the grass or leaves? If your mind shifts to thoughts or the past or future, gentle bring your attention back to your senses.

Give gratitude for this one singular moment.

Listening Meditation

Wherever you are, whatever time of night or day, move into the present moment by challenging yourself to hear as many sounds as possible. Sit quietly and listen.

Hear the birds chirping, a dog barking in the distance, the wind blowing through the leaves of a nearby tree or an airplane flying overhead. What various sounds surround you? Try to hold on to everything you hear and be aware of all the sounds at the same time. When we do this, we pull ourselves out of thoughts and judgments, and into a present state of being.

You already have everything you need to expand your consciousness and awaken to your true essence. It starts by coming into the present moment. Befriend the natural surrounding energies to support your practice and use them throughout your day. Give gratitude for their simple, unwavering gifts of love and energy.

Hopefully, these meditations will deepen your connection to the earth and inspire you to join the fight against climate change. We have one world and it’s up to all of us to take care of her.