Not all meditation asks us to find the light; sometimes we need to explore the darkness. In this first episode of the October Underland series, meditation teacher Meryl Arnett invites you to stop running from your fears and instead turn around to face them. Inspired by Robert Macfarlane's book Underland, this episode and meditation practice explores what happens when we acknowledge the darkness, both within ourselves and in the world around us, rather than trying to escape it.
If you've been feeling overwhelmed by political chaos, buried trauma, or simply the weight of difficult emotions you've pushed underground, this meditation will help you understand why staying present to discomfort is the path to genuine healing and transformation.
What To Expect
Understanding the "underland" as both physical space (caves, burial sites) and metaphorical space (the unconscious, buried trauma)
The wisdom of the Three of Swords tarot card: discovering hope at the very center of grief
A guided meditation practice with immersive Amazon Rainforest soundscapes from field recordist Nick McMahan
An invitation to acknowledge what we've disposed of, buried, or hidden that needs our attention
Perfect For
Anyone feeling overwhelmed by political anxiety or helplessness in the face of global events
Meditation practitioners ready to explore deeper, shadow work through contemplative practice
People processing buried trauma, grief, or difficult emotions
Practitioners interested in nature-based meditation with authentic soundscapes
Meditation Details
Length: 22 minutes
Style: Guided meditation with 7-minute silent practice period
Position: Lying down or seated (your choice)
Soundscape: Amazon Rainforest field recordings by Nature Field Recordist Nick McMahan
Best for: Anxiety relief, processing fear, shadow work, trauma acknowledgment, political overwhelm, deep relaxation
Join Meryl throughout October as we explore the underland: what we've disposed of (harmful thoughts and buried trauma), what we can yield (minerals and metaphors), and what we shelter (precious matter and memories).
Next episode: Discover what happens when we soften enough to yield the value and wisdom hidden in our darkness.
Sign up for my newsletter at http://eepurl.com/jjPrV2 to receive free mini meditations and soundscapes each week, along with creative musings and more.
New episodes every Monday (just the meditation) and Thursday (a full meditation class).
Learn more or contact me at https://www.merylarnett.com/.
Thank you to Nick McMahan for today’s nature field recordings; and thank you to Brianna Nielsen for production and editing support. Find them at:
https://www.instagram.com/itsbriannanielsen
This podcast explores meditation, mental health and the power of connection, offering guidance for caregivers, healers, and therapists facing compassion fatigue, burnout, and other mental health struggles through self-care, self-compassion, and resilience. With a focus on anxiety, depression, and overwhelm, each episode provides tools like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and grounding to cultivate clarity and reduce stress. Listeners can also experience nature-inspired guided meditations, designed to bring peace and balance in times of distress.
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