Grounding

Grounding, also called earthing, is something that is close to my heart (and, yes, my feet!). It is one of the most important things for me to do – especially when I’m thinking or worrying too much, or if I’m feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

Grounding can take many forms; the most effective way, I have found, is to physically connect to the earth. This means taking your shoes and socks off and slapping your bare feet onto grass, a tree or sand, or into a river or the sea. You could, of course, also get in touch with nature via your hands, although I have found the feet to be the best source of grounding.

Another grounding activity is (if you’re brave enough) having a cold shower/bath. It’s really painful at the time but I have never had one and not felt better (even if it is half an hour to an hour later once I’ve thawed out!) as a result.

If you want to supercharge your grounding experience, you could visualise roots going down from your feet and digging down into the earth. Of course, you could also do this as a standalone activity without being in nature.

Grounding has a similar effect to acceptance; it is balancing, calming and centering, and is always a great starting point – whether it be to set you up for the day, to give you a base from which to consider your career, bring you back down to earth after a hard day at work, or to help you to be in the best frame of kind to deal with any problem you may be having.

Although it’s a second-rate option behind the ideas I’ve mentioned, there is an alternative. It’s possible to buy ‘earthing mats’ that only have an earth wire. The idea is that you plug the mat in, and you’re instantly grounded. Like I said, it’s better to have the real thing but it’s definitely a good option as a top up or if you live well away from nature!

Don’t get too far ahead of yourself; keep your feet on the ground…

#feet #grounding #calm #centering #earthing #meditation #nature #selfhelp #selfdevelopment #personaldevelopment