When I teach the Tree of Life model as a way of personal transformation I often ask people to identify where they need healing. Most people quickly identify problems with the root system in their lives.
They feel disconnected from their body, physically drained and stressed, and they feel disconnected from family and community. This is a natural response, especially for those of us raised in Western culture, because the roots are typically undervalued and underemphasized.
However if you are seeking personal transformation it is wise first build a solid foundation and find your sacred ground. I want to offer you a short meditation that you can do to Root into Nature.
This meditation was taken from my book The Sapphire Staff. You can do this meditation anytime you feel ungrounded, ‘way out there’, ‘in your head’ or overly emotional. You can do it sitting but you also may find it very useful to do this meditation standing.
Meditation – Rooting your Tree of Life into the good soil
Focus your attention on the weight of your body, feel your energy sinking down and down towards the ground. Let the weight of gravity pull your consciousness down and down through your feet and into the ground below.
Imagine that you are standing on the ground in bare feet (or actually do this), feeling the earth beneath you. Imagine that underneath your feet you begin to grow roots. Send your roots deep underground, spreading them wide and deep.
Search for nutrient-rich soil. Search for a good water supply. Watch as your roots take hold and sink even further into the ground.
Do you feel secure in the earth? Is there anything stopping you from sinking down your roots? Is the soil around your roots rich with nutrients and moist, or is it dry and parched?
If there is anything wrong with your ground, make it right. Add some water or nutrients. Ask for a stronger feeling of safety. Do what you must to make sure that your Tree has a healthy root system.
Take some time now to thank the earth for holding you and for receiving your roots. Breathe into the earth, and allow yourself to sink even further into the earth’s holding embrace. If there is anything you wish to release, give it to the earth now.
Any pain, any frustration, any anger – release it into the earth now. Feel the immense strength of the earth and its ability to hold anything that you bring into it. Feel how the earth surrounds your roots and holds you firmly in place. Feel yourself anchored and safe in the arms of the earth.
Bring your awareness now back up, up toward the surface of the ground. Follow your root system back towards the base of your feet. Become aware now of your body above the ground and breathe into your whole body. When you feel ready, come back fully into your body and open your eyes.
Return to this meditation whenever you feel unrooted or ungrounded. I hope this has been useful for you.
Blessings,
Megan
