FOLLOW THE WHITE RABBIT

FOLLOW THE WHITE RABBIT

Eventually Rabbit always goes into a hole in the ground. This happens sooner rather than later if Rabbit feels threatened, for it is in the earth’s embrace that Rabbit feels safe.

Years of meditation and working to access higher conscious states can be a wonderful thing, however we also need to allow our awareness to sink into the earth and develop a conscious connection with what lies below the pavement. If we don’t, those lovely higher states become what we long for, become our new attachment and we miss the opportunity for real contentment in the earthly realm.

Real contentment is not just a powerfully soothing thing; it creates openness and surrender and allows the most subtle experiences of unity with all.

To call this ‘grounding’ puts us at risk of trivializing the importance and power of developing a connection to the Earth. It’s one half of the yin-yang of existence.

 Over the next few weeks I’m going to be exploring how to develop a relationship with this beautiful, giant orb we’re all riding through space. I’ll be offering some of the ways that have worked for me in developing and nurturing my own relationship. They’ll be simple, sometimes simpler than my original Hacks for Soothing. I also won’t be referring to them as hacks since they’re not just pre-digital and pre-industrial; they’re Prehistoric. I’ll be referring to them as Ways.

Today’s ‘Way’ for you to explore is this:

Step One: Find yourself a smooth barked tree, preferably with a small diameter trunk. I find a Birch tree is best, but even a mature Beech will do. Oaks, Sycamores and other rough barks are not great to start on.

Step Two: Place one of your hands, palm down on the trunk of the tree, exhale and put your attention on the sensation of physical contact with the tree.

Step Three: Stay like that for a few minutes and notice what comes into your awareness.

            That’s it.

Notes: Resist the urge to hug the tree. It’s important to keep the point of physical contact small when starting out; this will allow your awareness to be more sensitive. The first couple of times you try this ‘Way’ use your non-dominant hand.

 I’ve deliberately not spoken of what I experience or what I might think you would experience in trying this. I want your experience to be your own. However I’d love to hear anyone’s experiences so don’t hesitate to get in touch to share.

Thanks for looking in.

Rex.