“Earthing”, or “Grounding,” offers a simple & effective way to reconnect with nature, feel more centred & relieve the effects of stress, fatigue & discomfort in the body.
What is it?
Earthing describes a set of practices, such as walking barefoot outdoors, that can help us restore the connection between our physical body & the electrical currents of the Earth – producing a greater sense of stability & support. It offers a free, quick & easy way to improve your physical & mental wellbeing – and, with research suggesting that a mere 30 minutes of Earthing per day is ample to receive its many health benefits, it’s definitely worth adding into your daily your wellness regime!
A Snapshot of the Science Behind Earthing
Everything on Earth is comprised of atoms, meaning it has either a positive or negative charge. Since the Earth has a negative charge, objects (such as humans!) with positive charges can be grounded simply by touching the Earth. In our daily life we build up excess positive charge in our body – if we are unable to ground/balance it out we can begin to feel a sense of imbalance and over time begin to develop growing dis-ease. The good news is that, simply by making contact with the Earth we can balance out this out and begin to feel better!
Why try it?
A growing body of research suggests a promising connection between earthing practices & measurable improvements in,
- Alleviating Chronic Fatigue & Sleep Disorders
- Boosting Overall Immunity
- Improving Heart Health
- Lowering blood pressure
How to do it
There are many ways to reconnect with the Earth in your daily life. Here are a couple of simple ways to get started.
- Walk in nature. Try connecting your bare feet with the ground – stay aware, paying close attention to the feeling of the Earth beneath your feet, between your toes.
- Lie down on the grass or sand. Look up to the treetops, the sky or, in the evening, the moon & stars.
- Do some gardening: Dig into the Earth, feeling the soil between your fingers & directly link into its energy.
- Run your fingers and hands through water. Whether a lake, the sea… or simply in a basin of water or bath.
- Ground yourself indoors. When unable to make it outside, grounding mats help bring the practice of earthing inside; recreating the physical experience of a nature walk (there are lots of options available online).
A Simple Grounding Ritual to Begin Your Day
Begin by simply standing barefoot on the Earth – in your garden or when out walking, perhaps even on the beach. Be as still as you can. Deeply notice the feeling of the ground under the soles of your feet, its texture, temperature, solidity. Focus on the steady pulse rising up into the feet from the Earth below. Follow that feeling into the tops of your feet, your ankles, your legs – feeling into the Earth’s energy moving through you.
Begin to visualise your feet becoming “rooted” into the Earth – picturing roots growing out through the soles of your feet and moving deep down into the Earth below. With this sense of deep support in the feet and legs, begin to gently sway your upper body (perhaps even uplifting your arms like the branches of a tree).
To add movement to your Morning Earthing Ritual,
- Begin by standing with your arms facing outwards.
- Inhale through your nose as you raise your arms up overhead.
- As your palms meet above the head, hold the breath for 2 to 3 counts as you lift up onto your toes, pressing the balls of the feet into the Earth.
- Exhale slowly as you turn the hands outwards, lowering the arms again and bringing the feet slowly back down until they’re fully grounded on the Earth.
- Repeat, slowly, comfortably – flowing with the breath.
Let me know how you go … and anything you notice along the way!
With much love,
Katy Ananda x
