A Journey into the Hidden World Beneath Us

Walking through the exhibition spaces, I found myself immersed in a sensory experience that goes far beyond typical gallery visits. The images displayed are nothing short of spectacular - microscopic photographs of beetles, wasps, and ants that appear almost alien in their intricate beauty. These photomicrographs reveal structures so magnificent that they challenge our perception of the familiar world around us.

The atmospheric lighting casts an enigmatic glow over these images, while crackly-crickly-crunchy sounds of leaves, worms, and tiny mites fill the air with the authentic symphony of the forest floor. This multisensory experience doesn't just show us the unseen world - it invites us to become part of it.

The Living Electricity of Plants

One of the most fascinating displays features the bioelectrical activity of a living peyote cactus (Lophophora williamsii). As a small plaque explains, all living organisms produce tiny electrical currents that fluctuate according to their state. Botanist and bioelectrical composer Michael Allen Z Prime has placed electrodes at the roots of the plant to capture these electrical signals as the cactus extracts water and nutrients from the soil while exchanging resources with fungi and microorganisms.

"By greatly amplifying the currents produced by living organisms, I am able to use these voltages as a control signal for an oscillator. In this way, the oscillator directly tracks the voltage spikes produced by the organism, in real-time," explains the artist.

This innovative approach gives visitors a unique perspective on the diverse and mysterious electrical language of soil and its inhabitants - a communication system that has existed long before human languages developed.

The Fungal Networks Beneath Our Feet

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring installation comes from art collective Marshmallow Laser Feast. Their extended reality video 'Fly Agaric I' takes visitors on a dreamlike fungal journey, revealing the otherworldly beauty of mushroom species and their complex underground networks.

For half a billion years, fungi have served as nature's recyclers, breaking down dead plant and animal matter into nutrients that return to the soil, nourishing plants and forest life. This symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi creates living networks throughout Earth's soils that rival the complexity of neural pathways in our brains.

As the artists themselves explain, their work aims at "acknowledging fungi as a network of beings" to "dispel the myth of our separation from nature and explore what it is to be something other than human - perhaps more than human."

The Soothing Wisdom of Ecology Experts

Adding depth to the exhibition is the soothing narrative voice of Merlin Sheldrake, author of the brilliant ecology book Entangled Life, which explores the processes and mechanisms within soil as well as the science and history of mushrooms. His expertise provides scientific context to the artistic wonders on display.

Top left: Photomicrographs from the exhibition; Bottom left: Peyote Cactus; Right: Agaric Fly I.

Finding Stillness in Nature's Rhythms

In another room, artist Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck's paintings (above) capture fleeting moments of connection with the earth. Her work invites visitors to pause, ground themselves, and breathe deeply - a practice that resonates deeply with yoga philosophy and the importance of mindful presence.

These artworks ask profound questions: Where do we come from? Are we not all children of Mother Earth? Do we not originate from the soil that feeds us? And if so, do we not have a duty of care towards the planet that nurtures us?

Reconnecting with Our Natural Roots

As I reflect on my experience at the 'Soil' exhibition, I find myself contemplating my own relationship with nature - from a child who delighted in exploring the forest floor to an adult who sometimes feels estranged from the wilderness. This exhibition serves as a powerful reminder to honour our innate biophilic (nature-loving) selves and share the joys of our true home on Earth.

In my yoga practice at Circle Yoga, I often emphasize the importance of grounding - connecting with the earth beneath us to find stability and support. The 'Soil' exhibition beautifully illuminates why this connection is so vital, not just for our physical balance but for our understanding of our place in the intricate web of life.

Experience the Exhibition

If you're in London, I highly recommend visiting the 'Soil' exhibition at Somerset House before it closes. For those unable to attend, I encourage exploring the work of Marshmallow Laser Feast on their website https://marshmallowlaserfeast.com and perhaps picking up Merlin Sheldrake's book Entangled Life for a deeper understanding of the fascinating world beneath our feet.

The exhibition reminds us that true wellness begins with understanding our connection to the earth - a principle that guides both my personal practice and my teaching at Circle Yoga.

What's your relationship with nature? How do you stay connected to the earth in your daily life? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

With grounded presence and peace,

Elizabeth
Circle Yoga