Roots of Power

The wisdom we search for cannot come in the midst of emotional or energetic turmoil; if we are to receive true wisdom, our minds and hearts must be uncluttered from our daily cares- even if just for a few moments ... This is why finding sacred space within ourselves, and within the world, is so important. However, this comes not from a place. Instead, a practitioner must learn to be their own sanctuary- and building such a sanctuary takes time. That time comes foremost through the routine cultivation of silence.

In our modern world, there is little opportunity for silence. We almost fear it to the point it seems that the minute we do get a moment of silence, we feel uncomfortable and restless. Yet when we learn to sit in silence without feeling uncomfortable, that is when we can actually start cultivating peace. And by changing the outside world, we begin to change our inner world; by making space for cultivated silence within our routine, we thus make space for inner peace to come forth.

Cultivating such silence and peace allows us to focus inward, connect with our Spirits, and hear their wisdom. The tools we learn to do so over time also allow us to stabilize ourselves and our power- creating a more efficient and consistent wellspring of ability. The better focus it provides us over time, too, likewise means a more efficient use of the skills we possess, and a much stronger manifestation of results. Thus, we call these “Roots of Power”, as their purposes are ultimately multifold- though they are all ‘rooted’ in the same concept of sacred, cultivated silence.

There are five primary roots of one’s power- or, rather, five methods for stabilizing, accessing, and drawing forth one’s power in accordance with the Earth and its balance.

1. Centering

To stabilize the energy within oneself through intentional, mindful meditation and breathing.

First, find a space where you can be undisturbed. In a comfortable seated or lying position, then, focus on steady, easy breathing through the lower lung. When steady, begin counting breaths, starting with 1 on the inhale, and evens on the exhales.

As you breathe, imagine that your energy is pooling in the center body near your heart. By the count of 100 you may stop, unless you feel the need to start over in order to continue; if you do, count backwards from 100 instead, until you reach 1.

2. Grounding

To stabilize the energy within oneself in relation to the Earth, through external centering.

Find a space, preferably outdoors this time, where you can be safe but remain undisturbed. Once again, in a comfortable seated or lying position, focus on stabilizing your breathing. When ready to begin counting from 1 on the inhale, with evens on the exhales, imagining your energy pooling in the center of your body.

At the count of 100, however, deeply inhale through your lower lung, filling into your upper lung too, and imagine your energy expanding. Exhale, and imagine your energy pushing out roots, then, expanding through you and into the ground; into the earth below, attaching it to you and stabilizing you through it further with each exhale. Count backwards all the way to 1 as you continue to visualize this process.

3. Earthing

To physically connect with and release one’s energy into the Earth as a method of energy clearing, balance, and exchange

Find a safe and quiet place in nature where you are safe but will not be disturbed. Remove your shoes and socks, or as many articles of clothing as you feel comfortable safely removing (and can legally remove without consequence). Focus on the feeling of the Earth beneath your feet, and imagine your energy flowing through your energetic roots to pool there. Feel it intermingling with the natural energies of the Earth. After a while, allow it to release- leaving you, and returning to the ground.

If you wish, you may draw some of the Earth’s energy into you; pull it up through your energetic roots and into your body, all the way to your center, in order to replenish your own energy stores- as if you were drawing a cool drink from a fresh well.

4. Forest Bathing

The conscious full sensory immersion of the self within a forested (or other high nature) environment as an intentional awareness-based meditative act.

To properly practice Forest Bathing in the traditional Japanese manner, one must fully immerse themselves within the sensory experience of their chosen natural environment- taking in all of the sights, scents, sounds, and even the touch of the leaves whenever able; an aimless walk is preferred, with no clear destination or time frame- especially with frequent stopping to increase or target one's sensory awareness.

Safety should be kept in mind, however, and one should not leave any established trails or disturb the ecosystem unnecessarily, and always keep in mind the poisonous nature of any plants and animals in one's environment.

5. Rewilding

The self process of recognizing Humanity as an intricate and intrinsic part of the ecological system and cycle, and undoing modern conditions of human domestication and detachment from nature; to re-examine cultural paradigms and how they affect our physical and mental health and wellness, connection to nature and natural cycles, and world ecology.

There is no singular way (and especially no "right way") in which one may "Rewild". This is up to the individual practitioner, and their own capabilities and needs.

6. Hitbodedt

The practice of finding a secluded place in nature to pray and speak to the Divine without stopping until one is empty of all thoughts of the Divine.

Literally meaning ‘seclusion’, Hitbodedt is a form of Jewish meditative prayer popularized by figures such as the Baal Shem Tov and Rabbi Nachman of Breslov; one which is preferably practiced in a safe but secluded natural environment (locations such as a meadow, or a forest are traditionally ideal).

Allow yourself to become fully aware of your environment and the Divine connection of it. Then simply start speaking to the Divine; the importance is not on what you say, but that you speak at all- and that you keep speaking until you feel as if you have exhausted all it is that you have to say.

Sit in gratitude with the Divine afterwards.