One of my most precious friends, Michal, is a shamanic practioner. And I had the pleasure this morning of reading her newsletter, A Thankful Heart, spiritual resources for life changes and personal transformation, where she had written an article on grounding and how nourishing it is for us to be outside on a daily basis to receive a daily dose of what she calls “Vitamin G” from our Earth. There is so much more to her article. It’s very rich and read-worthy. In fact I’ve written for her permission to share it with you peeps. But my pre-processing takeaway from reading said article were two things: being outside on a daily basis and a consistent spiritual practice, whatever that is for you.
I’m a country girl…grew up on 40 hilly and wooded acres in Ohio. I was outdoors a lot, just being with nature. Later, I lived many years orbiting San Francisco–living first in SanFrancisco itself, then in Marin County and finally Pacifica. I always worked in San Francisco, though. I remember there would be particularly stressful days when I would be desperate to get outside during my lunch hour and walk/stand on grass. It soothed me. And when I moved up to Eureka in the midst of the redwoods, it was pure bliss. All that free Vitamin G. And now….well, now…Michal’s article reminded me I’ve not been doing that at all. I’ve been so focused on my books, launching my new career, getting certified, painting…all those indoor activities which definitately nourish me because I’m following my calling. But…am I being grounded when I stare outside my window and watch our creek flowing by? I think not really.
Which brings me to my second takeaway: a morning spiritual practice. It sets the day right, connecting with your Creator, be it reading scripture/spiritual writings, or journaling in a gratitude journal, or using a mala and reciting affirmations/prayers, or drawing or painting or yoga, any other way you chose to connect. It’s the connecting that’s important….filling your words and actions with Spirit. Inspiration. Have you ever looked up the meaning of that word? Inspire?
Anyway, for me, my day just doesn’t flow as well if I don’t take the time to reconnect and reawaken my awareness of that “something bigger,” that living, loving spirit flowing through each of us.
And from now on, I’m going to be including a dose of Vitamin G. Time to get down to earth. It’s where we’re living after all.
Have a great week, peeps! I leave you with some lovely images from the week.
Chronicles of Cammy, my Fool's Journey and Travelogue 