Sometimes the biggest messages come from the smallest of ones we meet. I discovered these little seed when walking through a parking lot today. Autumn has come and gone. Winter is just beginning. And somehow this little seed has gotten the message from its environment that it was time to ground in.

The radicle root is the first thing we see to emerge from within the seed after it germinates. The radicle will eventually become the taproot, extending deep into the soil to take up water and minerals, and to provide a steady anchor of support for the plant. How does it know which direction to grow? There are a few different explanations, but science most often explains this always-downward-growth of the radicle to be the result of gravity.

As spiritual beings, we also have the need to be grounded, to be connected to the slow, steady rhythm of Earth. Gravity holds us here, and it is our intention along with our breath that can facilitate an even deeper connection between us.

An Invitation to Connection: What do I see? What does it remind me of?

Seeing this little seed with its radicle root reaching for soil in a stone parking lot reminds me of times in my life when I have felt stressed and I’m reminded to ground, to reach to Earth for steadiness, and yet I find myself in a place that isn’t exactly hospitable for that.

How to ground when our environment isn’t hospitable

The first thing to do is bring our awareness to your breath. You don’t need to change it, just notice it. Breathe in and then exhale, slowly, for about ten breaths.

Then, notice how you are held by gravity and feel or imagine how gravity gently but firmly brings you into connection with Earth. When you sense or feel that connection, extend your energy down to Earth, through the surface layers of soil, rock, water, mineral. With the seed as your guide, extend your energetic “taproot'“ of energy, allowing it to connect with the steady rhythm of the Earth. Be present here, and breathe.

It may feel good to place a hand on your heart, and the other on your belly. I like to greet the Earth Mother here, as my companion, my parent, my love.

When it feels complete, wiggle your fingers and toes, open and adjust your eyes to look out into the world. 

This whole process can take place in the span of a minute, and doesn’t require anything other than a pause and your intention. Its easier when you aren’t in a place to be interrupted, but I have been able to start this process, and then let it run “in the background” while answering a question or even moving forward in the line at the grocery, for example. If you are interrupted, know that you can go back to this space, returning again to your breath and felt sense or imagery of the scene until you feel supported and connected, grounded and ready to move forward.