What do you do to feel grounded? Why is it so important to connect with the earth? And how often do you make an effort to keep that connection alive?

It’s no secret that in today’s world it’s easy to become discombobulated. With all of the high-tech gadgetry and modern communications and our frenzied pace, it’s easy to be spinning like a whirlwind from the neck up.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless if you pay attention to local, regional, or global news. I have a certain level of admiration for people who can tune it all out and stay in whatever creative bubble they may have constructed for themselves.

If you’re like me, you can’t help but pay at least a little bit of attention to the world at large, so you have to develop a practice to stay grounded and keep it in balance.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was some thing adjacent to all of us, that you could reach out and touch with your hands, that physically embodies the growth and nurturing spirit of Mother Earth?

(Have you guessed where I’m going with this yet?)

Well, spring is springing and plants are growing, so you don’t have to go too far to get outdoors and get your hands on some greenery.

Whether it’s planting tomatoes, trimming trees, or simply pulling some weeds, there’s few things that feel more rewarding than actively collaborating with the nature around you.

For me, the first real harbinger of spring and the summer to come are some of the more eager weeds and thistles that show up around the edge of our garden. Right now the ground is still somewhat wet and loose and few things feel more earthy than uprooting a big gnarly weed before it has a chance to mature.

Pulling weeds is a metaphor-packed activity, so I will let you take your pick. Meanwhile, stay earthy and grounded and have a great week, and I will see you next Monday!

M+

Mark Metz
Director of the Dance First Association
Publisher of Conscious Dancer Magazine