Tree Hugging in Winter for Clearing Out Heavy Energy

Barefoot on a 50 degree day in December 2020.

Barefoot on the Earth is such a great way to release heavy energy and recalibrate oneself. But what is one to do in the Winter when barefoot activity is just not the completely sane choice to make? Well, at least not any lengthy barefooting outside.

Here are three ideas to allow yourself to let go of, release, and/or wash away the heavy energy that we carry. Heavy can weigh us down energetically. Releasing this has healing impacts on the physical body, relaxes the nervous system and boosts the immune system (yes, this is proven phenomena from years of research in Yoga, Forest Bathing, and Energy Medicine work), as well as the mind and spirit.

1) Energy Bathing

Wherever you are, whenever you need to release heavy energy (think sad, angry, depressed… all often thought of as negative or dark energy):

• Close your eyes

• Think of yourself standing barefoot on the Earth, in your favorite outdoor space of course

• Visualize water or colorful healing light raining down on you, any color that makes sense to you

• As the color of choice comes over you, washing away heavy energy, visualize the energy you are letting go of, flowing into the Earth

• Stand and visualize this as long as you need to to feel lighter in Body-Mind-Spirit

2) Tree Hugging is a fine way to release some heavy energy into the Earth. Remember to do this respectfully of the Trees. Approach the Trees like you would people: until you have established a hugging relationship with them, ask politely before you dive in for the big hug. Would you hug strangers you meet on the street? Ok, if you are like me, maybe you would. But my kids tell me this is weird so use your best judgement.

• Take a walk in the Woods, listening to the woods. Yup, this means you will need to See, Hear, Smell, Taste, and Feel FULLY: a full on sensual experience. Think of Spring Rain and how you can smell the Earthy, wet floor in the Woods, taste the freshness of the Rain, feel the Rain misting on your face, hear the plop-plop-plop of rain on a rock, and see the beauty of the Rain’s mist and showers in front of your face. Immerse in this mindset with whatever is happening in the Woods today.

• Turn off podcasts/ music / and the urge to catch up on phone conversations. In fact, shut your phone ringer off.

• Approach a Tree of choice and ask if you can hug it. Wait for the Yes.

• Wrap your arms around the Tree and place your forehead up against the bark.

• Breathe in the Smell. Feel the barks texture on your forehead’s skin. Weave your heavy energy together with the Tree’s energy and wash it down the Tree’s inner trunk, through the roots, and into the Earth.

• Thank the Tree for transporting this energy into the Earth.

3. Or, try this Chakra clearing ritual.

Whatever you chose to do, to release what you no longer need, make it your experience.

Change up my suggestions to fit your needs.

Release, let go, and allow Mother Earth to recycle your heavy energy into healing energy.

Interested in learning more skills to change your Lifestyle Medicine to Self Heal in Body-Mind-Spirit?

Join me for the next Session of Sacred Circle Wise Women Mentorship.

Calming Digestive Tract Woes With Your Mind

Meditation - Visualization for Healing Your Gut Health

All Disease begins in the gut.                                                                                                                                                                           Hippocrates

Health begins in the gut. The reverse is also true: disease begins in the gut. Taking steps to reduce the angst in your life reduces the angst in your gut. Over the long haul of life... this is a gut healing gift to yourself!

1. Grab a blanket or two, maybe a yoga mat, and some pillows or props to make yourself comfy.
2. Lie down on your back supporting your head and knees to keep your lower back happy.
3. Take at least 5 slow deep breaths. Simply focus on your breath moving into and out of your body. Relax. Let go. Be at peace.
4. Take 5 more slow deep breaths sending the breath directly to your digestive tract. Feel your breath enter and exit the digestive tract. Feel your breath's energy swirl within the digestive tract.
5. Relax and just breath normally letting your mind stay calmly without thoughts.
6. Slowly bring your body, mind, and spirit back to the room. When you feel like returning to life... get up and get going keeping this peace and relaxation with you. 

When we are stressed, tension happens. This tension in the gut slows and impairs digestive function. Over time this gut tension, angst, contributes to ill health symptoms in your digestive tract.

When we calm the mind and bring healing energy (breath) to the gut, we relax the angst that builds up in the gut and the body as a whole. Relaxation, meditation, visualization, breath work... all ways to bring healing energy to your gut (to your whole body, mind, & spirit!).

Going Deeper with Gut Healing Visualization

Practice the above simple visualization for several days. When you are comfortable with the above technique... try this:

1. Gently observe and learn the above chakra chart. Simply remember where each chakra is located (top of head, between eye brows, throat, heart center, belly button, just below belly button, under pubic bone).
2. Lie down on your comfy blanket or mat, supporting your knees and head.
3. Take at least 5 slow deep breaths, quiet your mind, relax.
4. Breath deeply now and each time take your full breath (inhale & exhale) to your chakras, one chakra/one breath at a time. Start at the crown chakra (top of head).
5. Take a deep breath directing the flow of breath (in and out) to each chakra down your body.
6. Relax.
7. Finish with a few more slow, gentle breaths.
8. Slowly bring your body, mind, and spirit back to the room. When you feel like returning to life... get up and get going keeping this peace and relaxation with you. 

To create a bit longer calming the gut angst session:

1. take 2 breaths directed at each chakra.
2. swirl the breath, life force energy, at each chakra.

Another Deep Relaxing Gut Healing Technique

Are you a reiki person?  If so after finishing the above relaxing visualization try this:

1. Visualize yourself on a massage/reiki table.
2. Do a mini reiki session on yourself through visualizing yourself on the table and standing next to the table doing the reiki. Hold your visualized hands over each chakra (reiki hand positions) for one or two long, deep breaths.
3. If you have the time... flip yourself over on that table and do the back side hand positions as well, finishing the visualized reiki treatment in the traditional reiki practice sequence.

Try this visualization (or either of the above relaxing visualizations) when lying in bed and unable to sleep. Conscious breathing and relaxing visualizations are a fine way to calm down your body, mind, and spirit for better sleep and better moving through your daily life.

Healing the gut is a great first step in healing so many health challenges. For natural Gut Healing Guidance & support, check out my online course:

Healing Your Gut For Lifetime Vitality