In the 1980s or ‘90s, Thich Nhat Hanh and his longtime companion, Sister Chan Khong, turned a ritual called the Five Prostrations, with roots in Theravada Buddhism, into a profoundly healing meditation they called Touching the Earth—one easier for Westerners to practice. I’ve had the privilege of doing the meditation led once by Thich Nhat Hanh in Vermont and once by Sister Chan Khong in Virginia. It brings me into vivid touch with interconnectedness and my place in the world whenever I do it.
I've recorded this version for anyone who'd like to try it. Listen if you're willing to heal--at least internally--your relationships with your blood ancestors, your spiritual ancestors, your land ancestors, your loved ones, and those who have harmed you. May you find inner peace.
