P2070– Week Four: Earth Listening
Body Practice Guide – Week Four
Earth Listening
Connect with the support of the Earth through this resting, meditative practice. Allow the Earth to hold you and listen for the support you receive.
Also great for restoring your nervous system.
Considerations
Please read the practice instructions beforehand and feel free to adapt in any way that you need. Here are a few other things to consider and keep in heart for this practice:
What does "release" mean to you? What other words do you use for this feeling? Where do you feel release in your body? How do you know when to contain, when to act, and when to let go? Where do you feel that knowing in your body?
This is a potentially vulnerable practice that involves lying down on the ground, preferably outside. You can do this practice inside if that is more accessible to you. Lying down is a passive position and, if you feel unsafe where you are, your nervous system can respond in ways that don’t feel restful or calm. Please include an orienting practice to begin (looking all around your surroundings, including behind you) and remember that you can re-orient to the present moment at anytime throughout this practice.
It is always helpful to have an anchor during bodywork —something to shift your attention to if you lose connection.
If you experience an emotional release during this practice, be gentle with yourself. Use your anchor for support or orient to the present moment by looking around, touching you feet, humming, etc. You can include journaling afterward if that feels supportive. I recommend using two columns (or two sheets of paper) to write the “facts” and the “feelings” of whatever you are working with.
Practice Instructions
Stand (or sit) and face forward. Choose your anchor for today's practice. Take note of what's going on for you including how you feel physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Breathe gently through your nose throughout this entire practice.
When you feel oriented to the present moment, lie down on your (left) side with your ear on or pointing toward the ground.
Rest here, breathing through your nose, and consider what you can release or allow the earth to hold for you.
When you feel ready, or after 5-10mins, turn onto your other side with your ear on or pointing toward the ground.
Rest here, breathing through your nose, and listen.
When you feel complete, gently sit up and face forward again. Notice how you feel now.
You might want to journal afterward to reflect further (see practice considerations above for suggestions). You may also want to eat or drink something and go for a short walk to re-activate yourself and transition.
Remember to thank yourself.
PRACTICE SUPPORT
If you have questions or need guidance while working with this practice please feel free to connect with Megan.
You can email or message me on IG