34. Prayers to the Earth

Keywords: gratitude, acknowledgment of blessings

Become present with the blessings you already have. May gratitude fill your heart.

Many if not all of the practices for all of the sabbats are born out of a deep gratitude for another day of life, another morsel to eat or shelter from the rain. These celebrations were moments to pause, reflect and express sincere thanks for all blessings, grand and small. In today’s world, however, it’s so easy to get swept away by the desire for more without taking the time to acknowledge all that you have already. From the breath in your lungs to the shoes on your feet, there is always something to give thanks for.

You are being called to shift your focus from what may be lacking or incomplete and direct your attention to everything that is already present in your life. Share your appreciation with others, thank the rivers and the clouds and celebrate all that you have not had to endure. Open your heart and let gratitude fill in any empty spaces or feelings of lack. The more time spent in gratitude the more you will fertilize the energy of growth and transformation.

Creating a prayer ritual for the earth can be an incredibly rewarding and meaningful experience. A little time, some thoughtfulness and your own spiritual practice can create something truly unique that is meaningful to you. You can use this ritual as a way to express love, appreciation, gratitude, commitment or any other emotion you wish to connect with the greater earth community.

Start by finding a quiet spot outdoors that has special meaning for you, a place of natural beauty or personal significance. If possible, take off your shoes and sit in stillness so that you are directly connected with the earth beneath you. Begin by breathing in deeply, allowing yourself to become present in the moment and noticing how the earth feels beneath your feet and all of the senses this brings.

What follows is up to you: your prayer ritual can be whatever feels right and resonates with you. You might meditate for a few minutes, chant or simply express your thoughts and feelings out loud. You could use words, music, movement or any other thing that feels comfortable to you. Spend as much time as needed in this connection, allowing yourself to go deeper into the relationship between yourself and the earth community around you.

The closing of your ritual is just as important as the beginning. After expressing your gratitude for being able to connect in this way, take some time to sit peacefully and listen for anything that may come through: perhaps a message from the earth itself. When you are done, slowly rise from the spot and give thanks for the experience. By taking part in a prayer ritual for the earth you join with others around you and connect with something much larger than yourself.