EARTH WEEK - Clearing Your Physical Self

Earth week focuses on your physical environment, nurturing yourself and your body, and connecting to the earth itself. 

The Next Seven Days
Every morning for the next week when you first wake up, focus on the physical nature of your environment. Note the shapes and textures of the objects around you. Get a sense of the solid physical nature of your body. 

During Earth Week
  • Become more connected to your body
  • Attend to your health
  • Detoxify your body
  • Understand how to use your body's physiology
  • Connect more fully with nature
  • Create a home for your soul
  • Take action for a positive future
DAY 22 (EARTH): Connecting With Your Body

Earth is the time of grounding all the "stuff" that has come up during the last three weeks. It is also the time to gain clarity about what kind of life you desire for yourself and to begin sculpting your body as well as your life. 

Your soul is constantly communicating with you through your body, but often you are too busy to really hear the messages. Today begins a journey to begin to hear the messages of your body and soul.

Affirmation for the Day
"I am one with the earth. I am one with my body."

Today
Take a short time to do a meditation / creative visualization in which you imagine that you are Planet Earth. Alternatively, imagine that you have transformed into an aspect of the earth, such as: an old oak tree with your roots sinking deep into the earth; a clean, snowcapped mountain; a wildflower swaying in the warm spring breeze; or a beach pebble that has been rounded by the gentle rhythm of the sea. The truth is that you are a part of all these things - you belong to our vast interconnected universe. This meditation helps you reconnect with the physical unity of all things. 

Body Assessment
Your body is the vehicle through which you experience the world around you. Answer yes or no to the following statements:
  • I am comfortable in my body.
  • My body feels good most of the time.
  • My body is an outer representation of my inner state of being. (If not, what aspects of your body do reflect your inner state and what aspects do not?)
  • When I am in physical discomfort, I know that my body is trying to tell me something, and I take time to listen to it. 
  • Sometimes I negatively judge my body.
  • I love and cherish my body.
  • I am content with my weight.
  • My weight is within a healthy range for my body and age.
  • I am satisfied with the muscle tone of my body.
  • I do great things to cherish and honour my body.
  • I have had a complete and thorough physical checkup in the last couple of years.
  • My teeth are in great shape, and I get periodic cleanings and checkups.
  • I floss regularly.
  • I am happy with my hair, nails, and skin.
  • My eyesight is good. (Or, if you wear glasses: ) My prescription is appropriate for my eyes.
  • I hear well.
  • My organs (heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, lungs, large intestine, skin and so forth) are all in excellent health.
  • My cholesterol count is healthy.
  • My blood pressure is in a good range for my age.
  • My digestive system is excellent.
  • I do not smoke.
  • I do not take habit-forming drugs.
  • My sugar intake is appropriate for my body.
  • My alcohol intake is appropriate for my body.
  • I walk or exercise at least three times a week.
  • I take time to breathe fully and deeply.
  • My body handles the stress in my life well.
  • I have no habits that contribute to poor health.
  • I get plenty of sleep to fulfill the needs of my body.
  • My colon health is excellent. (That is, I get a colonoscopy every 10 years after age 50, unless I am at high risk.)
For Women
  • I have had my yearly Pap smear.
  • I am confident with my ability to do a breast exam on myself and I do it on a periodic timetable.
  • I have had my bone density tested at least by age 50 (DEXA scan).
For Men
  • I have had my prostate checked (at age 40 and 45 and every two years after 50), and have had a rectal exam every two years after age 40 (yearly after age 50).
To take it up a notch, make one small and simple commitment to your body that you know you can keep. A commitment that will empower and enliven your body. It is better to make a commitment to 30 seconds of yoga or deep breathing than to make a commitment you can't keep. 

Good luck and see you on DAY 23:)