ENERGY OF EARTH

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

- Albert Einstein

One of the things that I love about summer is that it offers us an opportunity to increase awareness and heal our bodies relatively inexpensively. In fact, the simple act of standing on the earth can make a huge impact on your overall well-being. Ancient healers believed that the energy of the earth could be absorbed through our skin, and modern science supports this theory.

When we stand with our bare feet on the earth, it can help to neutralize free radicals and reduce both acute and chronic inflammation and accelerated aging. Absorbing sunshine through our skin produces Vitamin D, which can improve brain function, lower blood pressure, and improve feelings of happiness. Spending time in natural green environments or even looking at pictures of green scenery in nature has been linked to stress relief, better impulse control, and improved focus.

Please take this newsletter as a challenge to spend some time outside - whether gardening, walking, standing, or practicing yoga, try to stay present at the moment. One lovely practice I was given by my main meditation teacher is to sit on a west-facing hill as the sun sets. Allow yourself to be present with the sounds, smells, and feelings that arise and drift away - and bring a flashlight for the walk home.