Earth Day Reflection
Olympic National Park 2024 (Queets River)
My very first camping trip. Insane nature filled experience.
Hello readers and Happy Earth Week!
Yesterday was officially Earth Day, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect ahead of some other fun entries I will be building out this week.
These past couple of weeks have been nothing short of agitated and filled with notable events – including my first time watching the Boston Marathon. That was a very exciting day in the Boston area and the energy around me was truly exciting. As some of you may know, I am running my first marathon this November in Philadelphia. This day was certainly a small glimpse of what to expect and seeing great people that come together to cheer on runners is so awesome.
Unsurprisingly, I have been slightly under the weather because I can’t help but be running around, trying to make all of the spring events, and traveling back and forth to see friends and attend weddings. Even though I do not regret any of it, I definitely recognize when I need to take a slightly slower week, especially ahead of another trip this weekend.
In the spirit of finding balance in a busy month, I wanted to honor this special week with a grounding yoga practice. And as always, taking time to enjoy the amazing sunny weather the last few days has been a fabulous way to complement that flow.
So, while this entry may not be our usual data-driven analysis, it is an important pause for reflection, particularly to think about your own relationship with Earth. Because, while it may feel like where we live and the environment surrounding us everyday is a given – if there’s something I have learned throughout my own experiences – there is nothing in life that is for certain.
Grounding Poses for You
As I mentioned, this week I curated a flow and playlist for my students to honor planet Earth. If any of you are ever interested in a full practice, I am more than happy to share that. For the sake of space, I am limiting myself to sharing a few of the grounding poses I’ve incorporated throughout the flow for you to try on if it feels right:
By Valentina Bernal via Flourish
My personal favorite pose from this list would probably have to be seated forward fold. Not only do I feel pretty immediate pressure relief from my hamstrings, but I also tend to have very tight calves, and the release they get from this pose is fantastic. As a bonus, focusing on maintaining my sit bones glued to the mat helps me focus on that feeling of being supported and rooted by the ground beneath me.
Optional Playlist for Ambience and Energy
As you all know, I have a lot of fun with creating my class playlists to really help my students and myself get more in the zone. Each practice is different, and music is never required. If music is your thing or you’d like to explore it, I am sharing two playlists for you to have:
Remember your practice is uniquely yours. Follow the rhythm of your breath, go inward, and set your grounding intention.
Final Reflections
As I mentioned, I will be working on a couple additional entries for this fun week. In the meantime, I want to offer you a moment to pause and reflect on an important week to honor and realize the importance of preserving our environment:
Step outside.
If you can, spend some time outside, away from distractions or your phone. Go on a walk, observe. Mentally notice your surroundings and breathe in deeply as you take in the environment surrounding you. Urban green spaces count!
Take a few breaths.
Inhale slowly through the nose, exhale gently through the mouth. Imagine your breath moving down through your body and anchoring you to the ground. Maybe try on some grounding shapes here.
Reflect on this question:
What does it mean to feel rooted?
Where in your life could you plant a little deeper? Where could you soften and let yourself be held?
Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do, for ourselves and for the planet, is simply to slow down, be present, and show our appreciation.
Happy Earth Week from Mindful Data Lab 🌍💚🌱
“Each breath is an exchange with the Earth. Inhale nourishment, exhale grounding.”
