Monday Must: Connecting to Mother Earth

MEET LAURA, CREATOR OF ECOLOGY -- AN ONLINE EDUCATION SPACE FOR SLOW & SUSTAINABLE LIVING THAT CREATES ACCESSIBLE RESOURCES AND CURATES AN ETHICAL E-SHOP TO HELP FOLKS LIVE A MORE EARTH-CENTRED LIFE. LAURA IS SOMEONE WHO HAS ALWAYS HAD A DEEP & POTENT CONNECTION TO OUR PLANET, THIS WEEK SHE SHARES HER BEST PRACTICES ON FEELING CONNECTED TO OUR PLANET.

Connecting to nature on a daily basis is a profound way of supporting your wellbeing & that of your community. Ecotherapy - it’s a real thing! And not only does it benefit us, but our home planet as well. Here are some musts when it comes to deepening your relationship with mother earth. 

Go Barefoot

We are visceral beings that thrive on touch - it has the ability to soothe us, calm our nervous system and trigger the release of powerful hormones. This same science applies when coming into physical contact with the earth. By walking barefoot, our electrical frequencies sync with the Earth’s, transferring potent but subtle energies that contribute to optimum wellbeing! Also known as ‘earthing’, this practice can trigger the release of oxytocin - the love hormone - the same emotionally bonding hormone released when a mother & child connect. How cute is that? 

Hug a Tree

Yes, I know -- hugging trees sounds so cliche, but it’s a real practice with real effects! Studies show that connecting with trees can actually improve immunity, cognitive function, emotional intelligence & provide support for those with ADHD, anxiety & depression. Much like earthing, the vibrational properties of trees (and most other plants) interact with our nervous system in a way that calms, soothes and nourishes! And let’s not forget, the trees appreciate us taking the time to connect with them too - it is important for us to remind these ancient beings that we love & care for them, and are here to protect them. 

Plant a Garden

Gardening is a wonderful way to get in tune with the earth & connect to the planet in a hands-on sort of way. Gardening is meditation, showing up everyday to slow down and participate in something with intention and purpose. Not to mention the health benefits of interacting with the soil itself - the bacteria existent in soil can actually increase the serotonin production in our brains. In this way, gardening can literally make us happier! Don’t worry, work with what you’ve got - you don’t need a big backyard to plant a garden, a balcony or sunny window will do just as well. One herb plant in a windowsill is just as powerful as a large-scale vegetable garden. You can find an array of accessible education around organic, regenerative gardening in urban settings here.

Eat Seasonally

Food is SO powerful when it comes to connecting with the rhythms of the planet. Eating wisely can have great impacts on our health & wellbeing, and that of the earth. Eating what’s in season in your area often goes hand in hand with eating local, which greatly reduces the carbon footprint of your groceries. Local & seasonal foods will be far more fresh and nutrient rich, with minimal fuel emissions and transportation costs. Plus: you get to support local farmers in the process! Find what’s in season in your area here.

Buy Bulk

The greatest shift you can make when it comes to sustainability is bringing awareness to your waste production. By starting to buy kitchen staples in bulk, you begin to notice how much plastic and single-use packaging infiltrates the pantry. This small shift in awareness brings the planet into every shopping decision - before you know it, you’re living more eco-consciously. Keeping the planet in mind as a consumer is such a powerful way to connect to mother earth on a daily basis. For example, choosing to shop at co-ops is a great place to start, find a co-op in your area here.

Do you have musts that make you feel connected to our planet? Let us know in the comments below or share with us on Instagram by tagging @itsmaryyoung & @eco.logy.co