Also referred to as "mindful prostrations", Sister Eleni offers insight into the practice of "Touching the Earth" as a way to connect to Mother Earth, to Thay, and to ourselves. By participating in this practice, we are able to be nourished by the wonderful qualities of Mother Earth, such as her inclusiveness, solidity, non-discrimination, acceptance and unlimited love.
Sister Eleni talks us through the process step by step, as we are invited to stand and join our palms together - breathing mindfully - before raising our joined palms to our forehead, bringing them to the level of the heart and then lowering ourselves to the ground. She also offers adjustments for those who may find this practice physically challenging or inaccessible.
Sister Eleni then offers an explanation of the meaning behind each earth touching.
This video was recorded at the start of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's Memorial Week, January 2022.