In today’s busy society, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the natural world and the Earth. Yet the reality is that the Earth provides us with life itself, so it’s not just beneficial for the Earth but ultimately for us to connect and show it our love and appreciation. By creating a deeper connection with Earth’s energy, we can become more grounded, grateful, and lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle as an extension of our own self-care.
Here are three
meditations you can practice everyday to connect to the Earth, go green and help make a happier, healthier planet.
3 Steps to an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle
1. Magnetic Meditation
Magnetic Meditation is a great way to begin to feel energy. Start by using a set of magnets, which
you can purchase here.
Holding one magnet in each hand, place your hands a few inches in front of your main energy center located about two inches below the below navel, called the Dahnjon.Taking a few deep breaths, slowly fill your belly, then empty your belly until you are feeling centered and relaxed.
Then, slowly push and pull your magnets together and apart, but don’t let them touch. Just keep letting the magnetism draw the magnets together and use your own energy to keep them apart. Let the energy radius grow larger and larger. Close your eyes and concentrate on the gentle tug and pull of the magnetism, letting it sink more deeply into your Dahnjon with every repetition.
As you play with the magnets, become aware that the energy you feel between them is the same energy that exists in your own body, and also within the Earth. Try to visualize your own magnetic field circulating fresh energy in through the top of your head, down through your body and out the bottom of your feet. Then visualize the magnetic field of the planet, stretching from pole to pole.
Realize that you are part of the Earth, and share an energetic connection with it. Becoming one with the Earth can help open your mind to more
eco friendly, sustainable living practices as you are more conscious of your choices. You can
find more magnetic meditation exercises here.
2. Tree Meditation: Breathing in the Earth
This meditation is designed to help you connect to the Earth and realize the symbiotic relationship humans have with nature. It is best to practice this meditation outdoors, surrounded by trees, but it can also be done indoors.
Close your eyes and breathe comfortably. Imagine a tree in front of you, its strong branches packed with healthy leaves and filled with vitality. This tree has its roots embedded deep within the Earth. From the Earth to the tree, the cycle of life and energy can be sensed.
As you breathe out, become aware that the carbon dioxide you exhale feeds the tree and helps maintain its life. As you breathe in, place your awareness on the energy of the oxygen that the tree produces, which allows us to live.
This interchange of energy is a fundamental function of life at all levels. Breathe with the tree, and you will feel the inescapable oneness that connects us to one another and to the Earth. Remember that your oneness with the Earth can help stir up thoughts of environmentally friendly ways of living. Listen to these urges and practice them each day.
Enjoy this guided tree meditation course video.
You can also enjoy the full version of the meditation in Ilchi Lee’s book, “
Mago’s Dream.”
3. Practice Mindfulness
As your awareness of your connection to Earth grows, you will naturally begin to act in ways that are less harmful to the health of the planet. But you can also practice awareness of your actions consciously on a daily basis.
With every action you take, pause for a moment to consider your potential impact. Before you walk past the litter that fell short of the trash can, reach for a paper towel instead of dishcloth, or jump in your car to get to the shop three blocks away, just take a moment to reflect.
By training yourself to notice the greater impacts of your actions, you will grow your awareness of the connection you share with other people and the planet. As that awareness progresses, you will also notice a desire to change your actions and naturally opt in for an eco friendly lifestyle that has the most positive impact on your surroundings.
Being conscious of your oneness with the planet is a constant exercise, and big changes don’t always happen quickly, but that’s okay. Incorporate these four exercises into your daily life at a pace that works for you, and begin to notice your eco-friendly lifestyle blossom.