We cannot see the chemicals that carry electrical signals from our brain throughout nervous system but we know from scientific research that those signals are there. These signals cause reactions, both physical and mental, which lead us through the activities of our day. If a person's ability to create adrenalin for instance they will lose the "fight or flight" instinctive reaction. The force that drives these necessary chemicals in our bodies is called in Eastern thought the "chi". The chi is stored in the body at one of the three "dantien" points and is drawn from two places: Our breathing takes in some of this vital energy and our contact with the Earth the rest.

We have already covered breathing on a number of occasions and now it is time to talk about establishing a connection with the Earth, or "rooting". Rooting is done in much the same visual manner that breathing is brought into harmony. While standing in a standing meditation pose, feet shoulder width apart, shoulders and arms relaxed. When your breathing has been brought under control you will be able to switch your focus to your feet. The best results are obtained by planting your bare feet against the earth directly. Now visualize roots coming out of the bottom of your feet and extending into the earth. There are three aspects of these roots that are important to develop.

• The depth of the root is important but do not try to take on too much at once. The best practice is to begin with a shallow depth of about 20 feet or so. This can be extended over time to 50, 100, even 150 feet.
• The thickness of the root is also important. It should be at least as wide as your body when you begin and then widened over time.
• Finally, the responsiveness of your root is also vital. You should practice so that you can extend and widen it at will. A good exercise is to stand in a group of people and extend your root out until it is beneath all of them.