Earth Grounding; Our Connection
“What is she saying when she tells me to get my shoes off, get my feet in the dirt and ground myself?”…. wonders every person I’ve ever said it to hahaha.
So, what the heck is grounding and why should we do it?
Essentially, grounding (also known as earthing) is balancing out the spiritual and physical energy in your body, by connecting yourself with the Earth. Put simply, grounding is when we connect our own personal energy to the energy of the Earth.
Think of the Earth being a giant battery containing a natural yet subtle electrical charge. A special kind of energy present in the ground, and for safety and stability, most everything in this electrical world is connected to it. Whether that be something as small as electrical appliances in your kitchen, to the greater reaches of nature and the animal kingdom; being grounded also applies to people.
We are a bioelectrical being living on an electrical planet. Your body operates electrically transmitting multiple frequencies in order to function. For example, your heart, immune system, muscles, and nervous system and that’s not even going into the Chakra system or Auric fields.
When you are grounded, you will feel:
Centred
Solid
Strong
Balanced
Less tense
Less stressed
Overall, you will feel great. Grounding allows your body to access your power and nourish your visions and goals to create the best life for you.
How are we losing touch with the ground?
With the exception of humans living in industrialised societies, all living things on our planet are connected to the ground’s electric energy. In industrialised societies, you rarely go barefoot and walk around outside, or wear natural leather shoes that allow you to absorb the ground’s energy.
For many decades, people have increasingly been wearing rubber and plastic-soled shoes that act as a barrier to the Earth’s energy, insulating them from electrical contact with the Earth.
People also generally don’t sleep on the ground anymore, as many cultures have done throughout history. They live and work above the ground, even far above the ground in high-rises.
The truth is, many are disconnected from the Earth and are ungrounded. They are not in touch with the Earth. Could this disconnection be an overlooked factor in the increase of illnesses? I’ll leave that can of worms for you to research and decide but science seems to think there may be a link.
The good news is you have the potential to reconnect and it doesn’t have to be hard. It doesn’t take a lot of effort and it’s free!
Grounding is a therapeutic technique that focuses on realigning your electrical energy by reconnecting to the earth.
There are many who advocate for grounding as a means to enhance spiritual and physical well-being, but they approach it from slightly different perspectives based on their individual philosophies.
Perspectives on Earth Grounding
One perspective on grounding is seeing it primarily as a way to connect with the Earth's energy to enhance spiritual and physical health. With the following aspects:
Spiritual Connection: Grounding helps individuals connect deeply with the Earth's energy, which can support spiritual growth and healing.
Energy Balance: By absorbing the Earth's natural energies, people can balance their own energy fields, leading to improved physical and emotional health.
Practical Exercises: Grounding exercises, such as walking barefoot, sitting or lying on the ground, meditating in nature, and gardening.
Another perspective is that grounding is used as more a means of staying present and connected to the moment:
Presence and Mindfulness: Emphasise is on being fully present and conscious in the moment. Grounding is a way to connect with the present by feeling the sensations of the Earth.
Connection to Being: It is believed that grounding helps individuals connect to their true essence or "Being," beyond the mind's constant chatter.
Mind-Body Awareness: The use of grounding as a practice to become more aware of their bodies and the present moment, reducing the influence of the ego and mental distractions.
How the Everyday Person Can Use Earth Grounding to Improve Wellbeing
Everyday individuals can incorporate grounding into their lives to enhance their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Here are practical exercises with instructions to help achieve this:
Exercises for Earth Grounding
Walking Barefoot
Instructions: Find a safe, natural surface like grass, sand, or soil. Remove your shoes and socks. Walk slowly, paying attention to the sensations under your feet. Focus on the texture, temperature, and firmness of the ground. Breathe deeply and imagine the Earth's energy flowing into your body with each step.
Duration: 20-30 minutes daily.
Sitting or Lying on the Ground
Instructions: Find a quiet spot outdoors. Sit or lie down directly on the grass, sand, or soil. Close your eyes and take deep, calming breaths. Visualise roots extending from your body into the Earth, anchoring you and drawing up energy. Feel the connection and let go of any tension.
Duration: 15-20 minutes daily.
Meditation in Nature
Instructions: Sit comfortably in a natural setting, such as a park or garden. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Listen to the sounds of nature—birds, wind, rustling leaves. Visualise yourself as part of the natural world, interconnected with all living things. Let the Earth's energy fill you with a sense of peace and presence.
Duration: 15-30 minutes daily.
Gardening
Instructions: Engage in gardening activities like planting, weeding, or tending to plants. Allow your hands to come into contact with the soil. Focus on the sensory experience—texture, smell, and moisture of the earth. Imagine the nurturing energy of the Earth flowing through your hands into your body.
Duration: Varies based on activity, aim for at least 20-30 minutes.
Grounding Mats or Sheets
Instructions: If going outdoors is not feasible, use grounding mats or sheets designed to simulate direct contact with the Earth. Place your feet on the mat or lie on the sheet. Use these during activities like reading, working, or sleeping to maintain a grounding connection.
Duration: As needed, ideally several hours a day.
Summary
While some may focus on the spiritual and energetic benefits of grounding, others may resonate more with its role in enhancing presence and mindfulness. Whichever you feel comfortable with, both perspectives highlight the importance of connecting with the Earth's energy to improve overall wellbeing. By incorporating grounding exercises into daily life, individuals can experience reduced stress, improved sleep, better mood, and a deeper sense of connection to themselves and the world around them.
