Why just read about it, when you can take your shoes off and experience it right now. Let’s start with a simple grounding practice, let your feet and toes touch the dirt, the grass or earth wherever you are and read on.

Let’s Dig In…

The earth is moving 67,000 miles per hour through space and time. Knowing this, can you imagine living on earth without any real connection or relationship to it? I like to think of grounding like a compass.

A compass connects to the earth’s magnetic field to give us a sense of direction and guidance. Aligning with where we are now and working with the earth to get us where we want to go.

The Science Behind Grounding:

Everything around us and in us is energy, electricity and vibration. As human beings we carry a positive charge, plus we pick up the EMF’s and static electricity that surrounds us every day. All of this can build up in our bodies and create an imbalance.

Earth has a negative charge. When we connect with the earth through grounding, we discharge the buildup of the excess charge and unwanted energy creating balance.

Although there have not been extensive studies, research shows promising signs that grounding regularly can help us feel connected to the earth, can support healing. Grounding practices have been shown to reduce inflammation, cortisol levels, increase energy, increase healing speed and immunity, and restore balance to the mind, body and spirit.

Spiritual grounding, earthing or re-wilding are other ways of describing this healing connection to the earth. We crave and retreat to nature, not just as a vacation or an escape, but because deep inside we know it helps us align with who we are!

one of my all time favorites…

WHEN I AM AMONG THE TREES

by Mary Oliver

When I am among the trees,

especially the willows and the honey locust,

equally the beech, the oaks, and the pines,

they give off such hints of gladness.

I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,

in which I have goodness and discernment,

and never hurry through the world

but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me, the trees stir in their leaves

and call out, “Stay awhile.”

The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,

“and you too have come

into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled

with light, and to shine.”

Are you Grounded or Ungrounded?

Here are some signs to help you find your way:

Keep in mind, that there are other reasons you might feel this way that may be caused by physical or mental conditions that require a doctor. Grounding practices will support you either way, but seek out a doctor if you are concerned.

YOU MIGHT BE UNGROUNDED IF:

Feeling out of it or a bit like your floating
Finding it hard to focus or concentrate
Not being present – living in the past or worried about the future
Being forgetful or absent-minded
Becoming more accident-prone or clumsy
Being easily distracted and losing track of time
Feeling low on energy or drained
Not feeling connected to your body, your intuition or your emotions
Feeling stuck or not feeling able to move forward in life
Unable to make decisions
Not feeling connected to yourself, others and the world

Grounding as a Practice

Chances are you want all the benefits of grounding vs. the symptoms of being ungrounded. You can add a grounding practice to your daily yoga, walking, exercise or meditation practice. It’s best to start off grounded in the morning and before you go to bed, especially if you have trouble sleeping. Or you can create a special ritual or ceremony around a time of change or transition in your life, like weddings, births, death, or life changes.

Here are some ideas to get you grounded, try them and stick to the ones that work for you:

Walk barefoot on first, grass, rocks or the sand at the beach. Feel the connection and energy between your feet and the earth and open a channel to receive the stability, connection and energy from the earth, to your feet and all the way up through your crown.
Eat and drink earthy foods, like nuts, root vegetables, teas and meat.
Run cold water over your wrists or finish your shower with a cold water plunge.
Imagine yourself like a tree with roots extending down to the center of the earth from your feet, with a strong trunk and flexible and alive limbs reaching for the sky while being firmly planted. (this is one you can do anywhere, anytime)
Having safe, but deep, authentic, truthful conversations, intimacy.
Move your body with dance, or try exercises like Tai Chi.
Gardening or working with dirt, rocks and plants.
Spending time by and swimming in the ocean.

Grounding, like so many spiritual practices, aren’t so much about changing what you do, but the intention and the way you do them. In this case bring your heart and conscious to the things you do and you will notice the difference. Walk consciously, talk consciously, move consciously and know that you are supported by the earth beneath you.