In Qi Gong, we often use the metaphor of the Tree to describe the close relationship between Humankind and Nature.
In a storm, what matters most is not so much the strength of the wind as the tree's ability to withstand it through the depth of its roots. The same goes for our mind. The more we manage to cultivate “yin” moments in our daily lives, moments of contemplation, relaxation and/or listening to our bodily sensations and our breathing, the more our mind learns not to be distracted or stirred up by the slightest annoyance or surprise coming from outside.
Like the roots of trees that sink into the Earth to rise better toward the Sky, the more grounded we are, the less the storms of life (stress, strong emotions, emotional shock, exhausting intellectual work) are likely to affect us. When, on the contrary, we are too much in our heads, “yang”, not grounded enough in our bodies, we easily let ourselves be carried away by the turmoil of our thoughts, and we lose that precious feeling of balance or inner calm.
Visualization exercise to cultivate your grounding in the Earth
Sit on a chair, feet flat on the floor, back straight, hands below the navel, thumbs forming a circle around it.
Breathe following this principle: as you breathe in, swell your belly, pushing your hands forward.
As you breathe out, draw your belly in without forcing, looking for a feeling of release.
Let go of the end of your exhalation. Then hold this empty state for a few seconds before taking a new breath in.
Little by little, focus on the feeling of warmth growing under your hands.
Enjoy the pleasure of feeling this warmth grow little by little.
Link this feeling of warmth with a sense of safety, comfort and gentleness (to help yourself, you can smile inwardly and think of moments or places where you felt especially good and peaceful).
Then become aware of the contact of your feet with the ground, picturing roots that reach from the arches of your feet deep down to the centre of the Earth.
Feel your spine lengthen like the trunk of a tree standing between Heaven and Earth.
Notice how each new breathing cycle lets you align your central axis a little more and fully inhabit your body.
Keep going until you gradually form a kind of inner cocoon that, from your belly, fills your whole body.
Then imagine yourself in a bubble at the centre of the Universe. Here and now. Calm and peaceful. Both centred and open to the world.
Know that you can reawaken this feeling of connection between Earth and Heaven, and this sense of well-being, whenever you need it (difficult situations, strong emotions, feeling scattered, fatigue, seasonal blues…).
Enjoy your practice!