Replenish Energy

The unseen mental and emotional labor that women do for families, businesses and communities, depletes beyond social recognition. When done for years from a flight, fight or freeze response, domestic labor, mental organizing and care giving wear out the adrenals more quickly.

In order to replenish the source of giving its important to hold firm boundaries and have a simple way to replenish energy moment by moment.

Domestic labor can be an immense source of exhaustion when asked to go beyond the baseline of necessity. At least, in my experience. In the same right, I want to be generous, supportive and caring towards those I have committed myself to. The earth never tires despite the abuse we have rendered her, I tell myself. Why can’t I suck it up and babysit my friend's kids on my day off?

I went in search of a renewal practice that would allow me to honor the boundaries that are necessary for my well being and at the same time I extend myself in support. Walking meditation is what I found.

" When we take mindful steps on the earth, our body and mind unite and we unite with the earth. The earth gave birth to us and the earth will receive us again. Nothing is lost. Nothing is born. Nothing dies. We don't need to wait until after our body dies to go back to Mother Earth at every moment. Whenever we breath, whenever we step, we are returning to earth." - Thich Nhat Hanh

A torus is a symbol of self- generating energy. When I think of myself as part of earth and not separate being living on earth, then I can remember to pause, return to myself and walk with an inhale that says "Yes to earth" "Yes to LIfe" and an exhale that says "Thank you, Earth", "Thank you, Life"

Tender, present, alive with all that is, these are the gifts of walking meditation.