This is part of our Pacha Mama guided mediation series. The meditations honor Mother Earth through Sun, Moon, Earth and Water. You can view the series here: Pacha Mama Collection.

I thought the earth remembered me,
she took me back so tenderly,
arranging her dark skirts,
her pockets full of lichens and seeds.
I slept as never before, a stone on the river bed,
nothing between me and the white fire of the stars
but my thoughts, and they floated light as moths
among the branches of the perfect trees. ~ Mary Oliver

This poem by Mary Oliver speaks so beautifully of what it is to be held in the embrace of a loving earth. Many of us today have lost the sense of inherent connection to the earth that our ancestors once felt. I think that this disconnection is one of the reasons that so many of us suffer from anxiety and despair.

While it might not be possible to escape to the forest and sleep beneath the stars whenever times get tough, I do think we can create practices that help us to remember this sense of connection- for it lies in our very bones.

So let us move into a guided meditation practice now, one that can help us to reclaim our sense of connection to the earth and be soothed by its supportive embrace.

I recommend doing this practice in a reclining posture if you can. So take a moment to lay down on the floor, your bed, or a yoga mat, using any props you might need for comfort.

Place a bolster or rolled up blanket under the backs of your knees to help you back soften and relax. Place a small pillow under your head if it helps your neck to relax, and put a blanket over top of you if you are in a breezy place. The weight of the blanket is also very calming.

Once you are in a comfortable position allow yourself to take a deep breath in, and let a long breath out.

Let go all tension in your body, and allow yourself to be held by the ground beneath you.

Release the weight of your bones into the support of the earth below you
and know that you are safely held here.

Soften your belly. Relax your shoulders and your jaw, and allow your eyes to close.

No matter where you are right now, no matter how far the surface you are lying on may feel from the damp earth itself, allow yourself to feel down into it. Remember and trust that it is there to hold you up.

As you relax into this ever-present quality of support that the earth offers you, you may choose to repeat the following phrases of affirmation with me. I will repeat them slowly three times. You may receive them silently, speak them aloud with me, or repeat them quietly in your own mind.

I am supported and at ease
I am safe
I am loved
I am well
The earth has my back

Now continue to rest in supported ease for one full minute of silence, I will hold the space for you.

1 MINUTE SILENCE

• Now take a deep breath in and a slow breath out. Come back to the present moment slowly, and without rushing.
• Before closing your practice pause and take a moment to rest in the gratitude you have for the earth that offers you such unwavering love and support.
• Allow your heart to be filled with that gratitude. Send it out to the earth and bring it with you into the remainder of your day.