GROUNDING: SIMPLE SUPPORT
IN TIMES OF STRESS
Dear Ones,
Whooeeee, has this been a rough stretch or what? There are times in our lives when we feel like the world is on fire, or at least our little world is. Both may be true and we can find ourselves merely singed or reduced to ashes. Often, it is easier to treat or prevent a burn than to rise phoenix-like, and there are many ways to help us remain centered and in balance so that we can face the world with greater equanimity and peace. I could use some of that right now and I imagine you could too.
One of my favorite ways to achieve this is by regularly grounding myself. Grounding is a method of anchoring the human energy field (HEF) to the energy field of the Earth. Humans evolved in close contact with the planet but our modern lifestyles remove us from and weaken our connection to the Earth far too often. We live, work, and play indoors, frequently seated and plugged in to media and electronic devices. An astounding number of us suffer from chronic stress, anxiety, and depression. Regularly reestablishing and strengthening our body’s connection to the planet can do wonders for how we feel and function on a daily basis.
HOW GROUNDING HELPS
Promotes calm and steadiness
Improves focus and clarity
Reduces inflammation and pain
Elevates and stabilizes mood
Encourages feelings of physical connection, inner strength, and centeredness.
Alleviates energetic alterations caused by electronic devices, travel, etc.
Better yet, grounding does not require any special tools or techniques and is extremely uncomplicated, which is why it is something nearly everyone can do, why I do it daily, and why I teach most of my clients to do it.
HOW TO GROUND
Step one:
There are multiple ways to ground but my favorite is to simply put my body in contact with the Earth. Bare skin is best when possible.
Lie down on the grass
Lean your back against a tree
Walk barefoot outdoors (my typical state of being and I have the calluses to prove it!)
Simply put part of yourself in touch with part of the planet in any way that feels good to you... the more damp the better!
If you don’t have safe or easy access to the outdoors and natural spaces you can still benefit from grounding.
Put your skin in contact with concrete, which is (oddly) effective, allowing barefooted grounding through sidewalks
Touch metal poles or railings that are anchored in the Earth
As long as it isn’t an insulating material (like wood floors, carpets, rubber, glass, etc.), is in contact with the Earth, and is safe for you to touch, it’s a tool you can use to ground!
Step two (optional):
Some or all of these next steps can support you while grounding. I encourage you to try a few and see what you enjoy.
Allow yourself to effortlessly be.
Quietly close your eyes and allow them to rest. Most humans use their vision a LOT. Giving it respite during waking hours can feel amazingly restorative.
Gently focus (soft gaze) on something that feels good to look at (clouds, sunset, leaves, insects bumbling about…)
Breathe deeply, slowly, and steadily, without forcing. Allow breath to flow.
Notice the physical sensation of the experience (dampness of the earth, roughness of the tree bark, heat of the sun, breeze on your skin…)
Become aware of any energetic sensations that come up (expanding, sinking down, buzzing, buoying…)
Follow your instincts and trust they will lead you with grace
GROUNDING TOOLS & DEVICES (OPTIONAL)
There are also a variety of tools and devices for grounding. Some of these include the following:
Grounding pads for use on beds, floors, and chairs.
Grounding rods.
Devices to wear when sleeping or stationary in buildings.
Grounding shoes embedded with copper studs...
I’ve used some of these and they can be practical and convenient tools, but know that you innately have everything you need to ground. None of these are required or necessary.
You can see why I like grounding so much! It is free, easy, and effective. It can be done passively (puttering around the yard barefoot) or with intention and the express purpose of getting grounded. You can ground indoors and outside, in rural and urban environments. It requires no special training or equipment to accomplish but tools are available if you want to play with them. Everyone can benefit from it including infants and elders. Even our animals can enjoy grounding which, if they are getting outside and in contact with the planet in some way, they are already experiencing. It’s pretty much perfect.
I hope that you find grounding a useful addition to your self-care kit or enjoy exploring new ways of grounding if you are already practice this technique. May your improved resilience and wellbeing be a gift to yourself and the world.
Now that I’m finished typing this on my computer I’m going to kick off my socks, go outside, and get some revitalizing grounding in before I tackle my chores. Happy Grounding!