by Samantha Ostergaard

Cultivating a closer relationship with the Earth allows us to deepen our understanding of yoga as union. Here are some simple green practices to transform your feeling of connection to the Earth.

Stand like a mountain
You can practice tadasana (mountain pose) all the time, whether you are sitting, standing or lying down, simply by being aware of your body and your connection to the Earth. This practice will allow you to cultivate the same quality of awareness that you have in yoga class during every activity. When you bring this awareness to everything you do, your whole life becomes your yoga practice.

Chop an onion
The Earth nourishes us by bringing forth food. Any time you prepare food, remember that fruits, vegetables and grains are the Earth’s gifts to us. As you hold a fruit or vegetable in your hand, be aware of your body, letting go of your thoughts; then perceive your food fully. Pay attention to its texture, weight, color and aroma while you are washing, cutting and cooking it. Food will come alive to you when you give it your attention. The Earth’s bounty nourishes and sustains you.

Place Yourself in the Landscape
The body of the Earth is unfolding around you all the time, even when you’re in your car. When you are driving, be aware of your posture and breath, and take note of the changing landscape around you. Notice when a hill curves down into a valley; when you travel over a bridge, look at the water, the shore and the land rising around it. As you drive along a highway, watch the changing shape of the land—this is the Earth supporting you.

Connect to the Source
Walk barefoot on the Earth or lie on the ground. For just a few moments, let go of your plans for the future and thoughts of the past. Be aware of the physical sensation of your body contacting the ground. Then observe the plants and animals, the wind and the light. Maintain some awareness of your own body as you still your thoughts and attend to what you see. Be fully present to the sentient beings around you, and you will experience your connectedness with everything.