January/February 2009 Alternative Health
Bare Feet Rooting into the Earth

by Rebecca Singer

Today's Western culture is so multitask-oriented that we are seldom present in the moment with our awareness focused in our bodies. When you live in an "out of the moment" mode of being, you lose the sense of the beauty of now. Our minds are all over the map, while our bodies are ignored and open to illnesses due to stress.

The simple practice of going barefoot focuses your attention down on the earth, reconnecting you with the planet. Even if you live in an urban area, you can create a moment of green communion with Mother Earth in your backyard, park or local green space. Take your socks off and try this simple exercise.

Step One: Bare Feet Warming

Take off your shoes and socks, and put your bare feet on the ground for 10 minutes. Deep in the earth beneath the wet and frosty winter grass is a healing heat source that is always available to you. With practice, this energetic source from the earth can be brought up through your feet.

Sit with your bare feet touching the earth directly. You may sit on a bench or the edge of a chair. If you sit directly on the ground, which is ideal, you can place your feet on the earth and rest your arms on your bent knees. You may wear as many layers of clothing as needed to stay warm. Relax your breathing. With daily practice, your body starts to warm up on its own. Don't expect results the first week - just do the practice.

By week two, you will begin to sense a slight vibration in the soles of your feet, followed by an awareness of heat. If you place all of your attention on the soles of your feet where they meet the earth, you will be surprised. Focus your concentration on this point, and you will notice that your feet are not cold. You are running your energy by bringing energy from the earth into your body.

Step Two: Gratitude to Mother Earth

All we need is provided by the earth. We can think of many things we would like, but everything we really need is available to us.

Take a moment while your bare feet are still on the ground and softly say out loud thank you to Mother Earth. Thank the earth for providing food, shelter, seasons and lessons. Thank the planet for its wonders and beauty, its grandeur and fragility. Thank all forms of life for being present, and thank the earth for being your home.

You can do this quietly if you are in a public place. It is best to produce a vibration by actually using your voice rather than thinking thoughts of gratitude. If you don't want to look silly, place a cell phone against your ear so you look like you are having a conversation.

By doing this simple practice, your vision of who you are on the earth becomes broader. You start to feel the deep healing energy of Mother Earth.

Rebecca Singer is a shamanic healer who has recently moved to Washington from the rainforest of Costa Rica. She offers sessions, workshops and talks. Visit www.shamanicenergy.com.