In ancient cultures, nature was honored and celebrated. Historically our dwellings had earthen floors and were constructed from nature’s unprocessed raw materials. Without thinking about it, humans connected with the earth on a daily basis.
But as our lives get busier, our screen-time longer, and we collectively find ourselves spending more and more time indoors, taking time out in nature is vital. It enlivens our energy and connects us, not only with the earth on which we walk, but also with the nature that exists beyond our world – that of the planets and stars.
Take a Divine Walk
One day, go for a walk, or a gentle run, in nature, alone. Don’t be in a hurry to reach anywhere and don’t think about how fast you are going. Walk through a forest, by a lake, the sea or across your city park. Fill your lungs with air, take in the fresh scents of the grass and flowers, listen intently to the sounds of the birds, swaying trees and rustling leaves. Open all your senses to the experience.
Everything and every moment in nature is beautiful and unique. It’s in a constant state of change. By observing it, you can’t help but wonder about the unseen energy behind it. In that state of wonder, your mind rests in its child-like innocence, there is beauty outside and inside, and you are at peace.
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar says, “In nature there is divinity. That is why we say, the mountains, rivers, sun and moon all are part of divinity. Everything, every flower that blossoms in your garden reminds you of this higher power, and every bird that is chirping around reminds you of that Brahman, that Divinity that is true.”
Walk Barefoot on the Grass
Walking barefoot on the grass is an enjoyable, grounding practice, as well as being a great astrological remedy for the much-feared planet, Saturn. Walk barefoot with awareness, and really feel the energy of the earth beneath your feet. The feet are connected with the 12th house of loss, so walking barefoot on the grass allows us to absorb any loss and teaches us to be humble.
Not only will this simple activity promote wellness by stimulating reflexology zones in your feet, connecting you to the magnetic field of Mother Earth and focusing your mind on the soothing effects of the color green, but it also aligns us with the nature of Saturn. Walking barefoot on Saturdays – the day of Saturn – can remedy the negative effects of Saturn.
This ritual also serves as a remedy when a planet is in a Gandanta Zone – the junction between a fire and water sign. As these two elements cannot coexist, this phase brings an unstable energy and sense of unpredictability. Walking barefoot on the grass is an excellent remedy to alleviate the effects of this sensitive, karmic time.
The align27 app gives you personalized rituals to do on each day, based on your vedic birth chart and current transits affecting you.
Morning Ritual for Mother Earth
Start your day by remembering and honoring Mother Earth, whose compassionate and patient nature carries us through our evolutionary journey on this planet. We can do this by reminding ourselves of everything she does for us, and we can seek her forgiveness for touching her with our feet.
Just as you’re about to get out of bed, before your feet touch the ground, close your eyes and either say the following words out aloud or in your head.
‘Dearest Mother Earth, you are so precious and I appreciate everything you do for me, I am about to put my feet on you, so please forgive me.’
Alternatively you can chant the Sanskrit version, known as the Samudra Vasane: ‘Samudra Vasane Devi, Parvata Stana Mandale. Vishnupatni Namastubhyam, Paada Sparsham Kshamasva Me.’
This translates as: ‘O! Mother Earth, who has the ocean as clothes and mountains and forests on her body, who is the wife of Lord Vishnu, I bow to you. Please forgive me for touching you with my feet.’
This daily ritual reminds us to walk lightly on this planet.
Open a Dialogue with Nature
Nature is full of mysterious and rejuvenating properties. In recent years, the Japanese practice of ‘shinrin-yoku,’ or ‘forest bathing’, has become popular as a method of boosting physical and mental health. It is so important to reconnect with the earth’s powers of healing and wisdom, whenever possible. This can make a huge difference in your productivity levels and state of mind.
When in nature, practice being present in the moment. If you pay attention and maintain a meditative state of mind, you can notice nature interacting with your thoughts and emotions. After all, thoughts are energy waves and everything in our reality is made up of the same. Listen intently, and open up a dialogue with nature, and see how it responds to you.
The Nakshatra (lunar mansion) Rohini is very much connected with nature and the environment. If you are born under this constellation then spending time with nature is a particularly powerful remedy.
Nurture and Water Plants and Trees
Working with the earth offers many positive effects, including the management of stress levels and the enhancement of mental clarity. In addition to this, the Vedic Sciences have a great understanding of plant life and its energetic effects on the mind, body and spirit.
Trees are considered very sacred for their strength, wisdom and many healing attributes. For instance, certain trees are associated with the effects of different constellations, as understood through the character of each moon mansion, or nakshatra. The sacred act of offering trees nourishment by watering them can connect you with the silent wisdom of the trees around you. Watering trees or plants is especially beneficial for those born under the Nakshatra, Purva Ashada.
Nurturing plants to fruition is also an invaluable spiritual learning experience, as the process reflects many macrocosmic principles or patterns that occur throughout all aspects of life, thus helping you get to the root of the grandest matter of all – life itself!
Discover your own personalized rituals on the align27 app.
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