Welcome back to the Santa Clara Meditation blog! π¦
Have you ever stepped on the dirt barefoot?
Spring has also arrived at the Ma-eum Su-ryun Main Center, a meditation center nestled in nature. It is amazing to see the sprouts growing and flowers blooming, and the simple fact that we are alive feels newly miraculous. Stepping barefoot onto the earth, full of vitality, makes you feel as if the energy of spring is seeping into your entire body. β¨
π What is Earthing?
Barefoot walking is commonly referred to as ‘earthing.’ It literally means letting your bare feet touch the ground, connecting directly with the Earth. It is the reconnection of humans with the earth, from which we have been largely disconnected.
When you do this, it is said that the healing energy provided by nature is transmitted throughout the entire body through the soles of your feet, greatly benefiting your physical and mental health. Hippocrates, the father of medicine (460β377 BC), also said, “Nature is the physician of diseases.”
Receive the gift of nature through earthing! π»
π 5 Benefits of Earthing
- Healing Energy: Healing effects occur due to the electric field generated by the earth.
- Blood Circulation: Walking barefoot without the soles of shoes acts as a spring for the arches of the feet and creates a blood-pumping effect.
- Body Balance: Toes that are usually confined in shoes spread out like a fan, helping to balance the entire body.
- Antioxidant Effect: It reduces active oxygen (free radicals) that negatively affect our bodies.
- Anti-Aging: It promotes energy metabolism, preventing aging and helping you maintain a vibrant state. (Source: Walk Barefoot, The Healing Gift from the Earth / Park Dong-chang / Kookmin Media)
π² The Pine Forest Earthing Path at the Ma-eum Su-ryun Main Center
The Ma-eum Su-ryun Main Center is always thinking about the health of those who come to meditate. As a result, a forest path was created specifically for earthing, allowing you to manage your health and enjoy meditation surrounded by nature.
Starting last autumn, they began carving out a path in the gently sloping pine forest at the Main Center. Paths were made between the trees, rocks and sharp twigs were carefully removed so walkers wouldn’t hurt their feet, and high-quality red clay (hwangto) was laid down. The paths frequented by people have already become smooth and packed, making the sensation on the soles of the feet incredibly pleasant. Perhaps because the path follows a cluster of pine trees, you can walk for a long time without ever feeling bored. β΅
πΆββοΈ Earthing is Great for Nature Meditation
Barefoot walking is not just about taking off your shoes. Because you are moving while feeling nature with all five of your senses, it naturally activates your brain. The true charm of earthing lies in walking while feeling the sunlight, the breeze, the pleasant air, the sound of the birds, and the physical sensation of stepping on the soil. Because of this, you naturally slip into a state of nature meditation.
Most philosophers who required deep reflection also enjoyed walking. Immanuel Kant is famous for taking a walk at the exact same time every day, like clockwork. Jean-Jacques Rousseau said, “I can only meditate when I am walking. When I stop, I cease to think; my mind only works with my legs.” Rousseau believed that the time spent walking in nature was the only time he could discover the ‘I’ that exists as nature itself. ποΈ
πΈ The Effects of Earthing’s Nature Meditation
Anyone feels a sense of peace when they are in nature. While it serves as a restful escape from a busy daily life, it becomes an even more valuable time if earthing cares for your health and evolves into a meditation session to discover your inner self.
The Meditation Effects of Walking Barefoot in Nature:
- Being in nature lowers the stress hormone (cortisol).
- Focusing on nature and the act of walking allows your brain to rest.
- It provides a dedicated time to rest and self-reflect.
- Earthing naturally makes you focus on the sensations in the soles of your feet, creating a deep immersive effect.
- As you become one with nature and a part of it, your consciousness expands.
- Walking and meditating in nature brings wisdom and inspiration.
Earthing and nature meditation allow you to truly feel the fact that you, too, are alive among all living things. We hope you stay healthy in both body and mind! β¨
π‘ Tips for Meditating While Earthing
- It is best to walk with a grateful and humble heart toward nature.
- Do not rush. It is highly recommended to walk slowly while practicing diaphragmatic (belly) breathing.
- Observe yourself: check if the balance in your soles is good and if you are walking with proper posture.
- Walk while feeling nature with all five senses. Look at the scenery, listen to the birds, and accept the smells, the physical touch, and the sensations in your body and feet exactly as they are.
- Completely entrust your body to nature.
β οΈ Precautions
- Vaccination: Please make sure to get vaccinated at a hospital or public health center before you start earthing. A tetanus shot maintains antibodies for about 10 years.
- Hygiene: Once you are finished earthing, make sure to dust yourself off and wash your feet thoroughly.
