Happy August, everyone!
Let’s talk energy.
We know that all living beings - whether animate or inanimate - require energy to sustain themselves. The more energised something is, the fuller, brighter, and more vibrant it appears. Take a dead leaf, for example. Once the life force has left it, it appears visibly more dull (less bright), dry and brittle (less full), and no longer ‘springs back’ (less vibrant). But the matter and atoms that compose that leaf just seconds before it perished are exactly the same as the ones present now that it is dead. What has changed?
In Yogic philosophy, this change is explained through the concept of prana or life force.
Prana is the vital energy that flows throughout the universe. The more prana we have, the more naturally attractive and joyful we become. Take, for example, a flower: the more sunlight it receives, the more abundantly it blooms. Similarly, when we eat high quality foods, we become healthier - and it shows in the brightness of our eyes and the clarity of our skin. When we live in alignment with nature and manage our energies well, prana moves freely through the body, allowing our mental and physical activities to occur smoothly. This makes us happier, healthier, and feel more limitless.
There are many ways in which we can receive prana. and while we won’t explore all of them here, some of the most accessible sources include:
The Sun ☀️
The Earth 🌍
Food 🥗
Air 💨
You may have noticed that you feel more energised and joyful in the spring and summer months (seasonal depression is real!). Same goes after going on a hike or a barefoot stroll on the beach. When we directly connect with the earth without shoes, gloves, or other barriers in the way, we can directly receive the energy that emanates from the earth. In new age spirituality you may have come across the term ‘grounding’ and that’s exactly what the yogis would practice many thousands of years ago.
"May the Earth, which bears all people, be our firm support.
May she bestow upon us the ground for strength and clarity."
- Ṛg Veda 1.164
This month, try exploring grounding to receive energy from the earth. Here are some ideas:
Barefoot walks in natural settings (the beach, forest, or national park - Govinda Valley, anyone?)
Gardening with your bare hands
Sunbathing on the grass
Meditating in savasana (corpse pose) in the sand
These simple practices help bring us back to our natural state - where the body, mind, and spirit are in pure harmony.
Tapping into prana doesn’t require drastic changes. It’s about returning to the basics and acting with intention. We hope this month encourages you to explore and connect with the energy within and around you.
Wishing you a beautiful time grounding - not grinding!
The Govinda Valley Team
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