After a slow start, spring is here and the sun is (occasionally) out – and my offerings of outdoor practice are here! There are so many benefits to practicing outside: reduced levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) cortisol; a greater sense of well-being; feelings of awe and wonder; exposure to natural light, essential for maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm and regulating sleep-wake cycles. But as well as all these well-researched benefits, there is so much more - the earth can teach us everything about the cycle of life and the universal laws of change and connection. This is my favourite poem to reflect on:
Earth Teach Me – A prayer from the Ute Indians
Earth teach me stillness as the grasses are stilled with light. Earth teach me suffering as old stones suffer with memory. Earth teach me humility as blossoms are humble with beginning. Earth teach me caring as the mother who secures her young. Earth teach me courage as the tree which stands alone. Earth teach me limitation as the ant which crawls on the ground. Earth teach me freedom as the eagle which soars in the sky. Earth teach me resignation as the leaves which die in the fall. Earth teach me regeneration as the seed which rises in the spring. Earth teach me to forget myself as melted snow forgets its life. Earth teach me to remember kindness as dry fields weep with rain. I hope you can join me for a weekly class in Queens Park, 'A Day in June' day retreat on the 18th June at the Earthship, Stanmer Park or a collaboration with a friend to offer Yoga and Art Therapy in Stanmer Park on the 6th July. Please get in touch with any questions. I hope to see you soon. With Kindness, Tammy
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