The Tree - A Grounding Meditation

This guided meditation will help to align your energies with the earth’s energies so that you feel calm, refreshed and at peace. It begins with awareness on the out breath which helps to keep you focused in the present moment. The guided meditation itself is done as visualization, but you could do it outdoors sitting with your back against a tree. Trees and plants have their own energy fields and you can absorb this energy in a positive and revitalizing way for your whole being. ‘The Tree Guided Meditation’ could be particularly grounding for you if you live in a city and do not have easy access to nature.

Preparation

Find a room in your home where you will be undisturbed. If this is not possible, a corner in a room could become your place of regular meditation. Prepare the room if you can with a lighted candle, some fresh flowers, and some lighted incense, or aromatherapy oils to purify the space. Make sure the room is warm, and that the lighting is soft. When you first begin to meditate choose a place that is not too noisy. A blanket over your legs can be comforting. Placing a shawl, or blanket around your shoulders can also be a part of your attire for your meditations. Wear loose, comfortable clothing making sure there is no tightness at your waist, hips, or chest. Switch off your mobile, and take the phone off the hook. Turn off any other appliances that may interfere with your meditation. This is time out for you, your time away from all other responsibilities. Affirm that you deserve this time out.

Posture

You can sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor, and your hands resting in your lap, or on your thighs. It is preferable to sit for meditation without leaning onto the back of the chair.

You may choose to sit on a cushion on the floor. You can do this by sitting cross-legged. Choose a cushion that elevates your buttocks. Rest your hands in your lap. Traditionally the palms of the hands can be upturned on your thighs with the thumbs and index fingers lightly touching.

However you decide to sit, keep your back straight throughout the practice.

To help centre yourself, gently sway from side to side, and then gently move from your hips, forwards and then backwards. You will sense where the centre of gravity is in your body to keep you aligned.