In a conversation with my wise daughter recently, they mentioned the incredible importance of staying connected with the Earth and earth wisdom as we navigate the realms of AI, social media, virtual realities and so on- not to mention fascism, climate catastrophe, etc. I was reminded of this on my walk this morning. The power of keeping my feet on the ground, noticing the colors in the dirt beneath my feet, the shapes of the rocks and tree roots, the fog swirling amongst green hills and water, the strength of the trees as they blow in the breeze. While my mind (like everyone's) has a tendency to really go off into the ethers (there is so much to think about! it's captivating!), returning to my feet on the ground is... grounding... and really brings me back to earth (huh).
Returning to the realness of earth, breath, love, connection; returning to the present moment, whatever feelings and realities it may hold- there is healing and wisdom here. Surprisingly, doom-scrolling, worry, and insomnia may not be as productive as we believe, as tactics for making change in the world. But maybe coming back to our real reality as earthlings, and staying connected to all that this means, may gradually lead the way? Feeling all the feelings, with utmost compassion and tenderness to ourselves and others, being present with the love and care in our hearts, taking whatever actions we are able to to protect who and what we hold dear. Remembering that it is still important to breathe, to feel hope and joy and wonder and stillness. To notice the beauty all around us, experiencing earth time and our senses that bring us back to this moment, this planet, what we can see and feel and smell and taste and hear and know.
This week, I have been seeing so much lupine on my hills walks (and the beginnings of the California poppies and other wildflowers, too). Today I looked up the qualities of lupine as a flower essence. Among other things, lupine flower essence is known for* bringing tranquility to the overactive mind; easing worry, panic, obsessive thinking, and anxiety by retraining our neural pathways, and helping to heal from trauma. Lupine is also connected with joyful presence, clear vision and thought, creativity, and can be an ally in moments of uncertainty, helping us find our center and focus our energy on what most needs our attention. Lupine flower essence is said to connect us with spirit, and for finding our place within community and the larger whole. (*This was all completely lifted from various things that showed up on my internet search, but I thought it was interesting and timely! Lupine has some medicinal uses as well- to be explored another time perhaps.)
For me, this morning, the message and wisdom of lupine was to come out of mental gymnastics and tune back in to the rhythms and sounds and textures of the Earth. Throughout my day, the message continued- savoring the flavors of the bright orange tangelo I ate, feeling my hands in the dirt and with the plants as I pulled weeds, dropping deep into my body and healing dreams as I received acupuncture, listening to birdsong, seeing and smelling the magnolias and ceanothus and mountain sage and rosemary that crossed my path.