Healing Harvest Meditation
THIS IS PART OF AUGUST’S “OUR PUBLIC MEMORY” EMOTIONAL PIES PRACTICE ON HEALING OUR SHAME. IF YOU MISSED THIS NEWSLETTER, READ IT HERE.
By: Mika Gainer, Meditation Coach
One of my favorite things to do growing up in Panama City Beach was to watch the white sticky sand shift off my feet. I would dig my toes deep beneath the shore until I could feel coolness. Then slowly lift my feet up through soft grainy dots to warmth and sunshine. I was in awe of the moment to feel the difference between earth, water, sun, and breeze, the patterns that emerged and realize now how sand and dirt support me, from my senses to the food I eat to healing my grief.
Whether you are on beach sand, park grass, walking trail, farmland or your backyard, take a pause in your steps and effortlessly stand or sit in appreciative stillness.
Move your attention with slow breath from the senses on your face, to your chest, belly, hips, legs and then hover at your feet. Recall how your feet carry the secrets of your life through work, joy and pain, and then allow the earth beneath to comfort, soothe, and nourish them.
Dig or wiggle your toes, noticing the textures you feel and explore the depths of connection available to you, from those you can’t see to those you’d like to.
Visualize personal and collective fulfillment brought to harvest. Thank Pachamama (“Earth Mother” goddess of the indigenous people of the Andes) with an offering of a mixture of any of the following: cornmeal, loose leaf tobacco or tobacco flowers, rice, sea salt or pink himalayan salt, and lavender.
Sprinkle your offering where you were standing at the base of your feet or a tree and softly bow for the communion.
Practicing this meditation is a moment to embrace awe. Try not to problem-solve but allow inspiration to flow - for healing, interconnectedness, physical nourishment, and blessings to come alive through your feet. Start with one foremost thought hanging on your heart and come to this meditation until an expanded perspective happens. It is a gateway of continuous care and protection given to us everyday.