Earth energy + pregnancy + birth + motherhood

Pregnancy offers a deepened connection between you and the earth. Throughout the journey, you may feel the earth physically holding you as baby and your body grows. You may feel as though the earth is saying “I can also hold the weight of your feelings thoughts too.”

Earth energy is what guides you through the birthing process. It enables you to release baby into the world and in the process release preconceived notions of what it means for you to be a birthing person and a mama.

Four qualities of earth energy

• Earth energy aligns with the downward movement of air.

• Earth energy is connected to the physical body. It is heavy and invites you to let your body be heavy while resting supported on the earth.

• Earth energy is grounding. It reminds you that the foundation beneath your feet is solid and steady.

• Earth energy reminds you that like fertile soil, new life can grow inside of your body.

Three practices for connecting with earth energy

For each of these practices, you may choose to sit or lay down in a supported position. You may close or lower your eyes to direct your attention downward, to the earth.

• Breathe in and then exhale as though you are sending your breath down to the earth. Sense that the exhale carries all tension and griping down to the earth. Try this for 2-5 minutes and notice how you feel.

• Connect the tip of your ring finger with the tip of your thumb, rest the backs of your hands on your lap or the floor/cushion next to you. Breathe with awareness of the earth beneath you while holding the mudra (hand gesture) for 5 minutes. Notice how you feel at the end.

• Breathe in through the nose, separate the lips slightly (just enough that you could fit a piece of paper between them) and keep them relaxed, then exhale out the lips. The small space between the lips helps to lengthen the exhale, but if it is too small it may cause tension so make sure it is the right size for you. Continue breathing in the nose, then out the small space between the lips for 5 minutes, then notice how you feel.