Grounding, also known as earthing, is a therapeutic practice that involves reconnecting with the Earth’s natural energy. This simple yet powerful technique can help you achieve better physical and mental health. In this blog post, we’ll explore various grounding methods, their healing benefits, and how you can incorporate them into your daily life. Let’s dive in!
What Is Grounding?
Grounding refers to direct skin contact with the Earth, such as walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil. It can also involve sitting, lying, or standing on the ground. This practice is believed to transfer the Earth’s electrons into your body, promoting balance and healing.
Grounding Techniques
Walking Barefoot
Description: One of the simplest ways to ground yourself is by walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil.
Benefits: Enhances mood, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality.
Personal Experience: Any time I get the chance, I take my shoes off and go barefoot in the soil or the grass. Whether it’s walking from the RV to the loo, during our walking meditation at the park every Saturday morning, or golfing, I ground myself. Even at the lake or shoreline, I make sure to connect with the Earth.
Grounding Mats And Sheets
Description: These are specially designed mats and sheets that connect to the Earth’s energy through a grounding rod or plug.
Benefits: Provides a convenient way to ground indoors, especially during inclement weather.
Personal Experience: I use grounding sheets at home to stay connected to the Earth’s energy even while sleeping.
Gardening
Description: Digging in the soil and working with plants not only grounds you but also connects you with nature.
Benefits: Reduces anxiety, boosts mood, and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Swimming In Natural Waters
Description: Immersing yourself in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, or the ocean.
Benefits: Provides full-body grounding, reduces inflammation, and enhances relaxation.
Meditation And Yoga Outdoors
Description: Practicing mindfulness and physical exercises outside on natural surfaces.
Benefits: Combines the mental benefits of meditation and yoga with the grounding effects of direct contact with the Earth.
Personal Experience: I love doing yoga in the park every Saturday morning. The walking meditation while barefoot enhances the grounding experience.
My Grounding Journey
My journey with grounding began when I was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases and later, Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. During some of the most challenging times of my life, I discovered the profound impact of grounding on my overall well-being.
Gardening has also been a therapeutic outlet for me. Digging my hands into the soil, planting flowers, and watching them grow provided a much-needed connection to nature and a break from the overwhelming stress of my health challenges. This practice helped me reduce anxiety and gave me a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Walking barefoot on the grass, especially in my backyard, has become a daily ritual that not only eased my physical pain but also brought a sense of calm and clarity to my mind. Saturday mornings at 11:00 am, (after yoga in Scissortail Park) I host a walking meditation with whoever joins us, coordinating with a group in LA (power in numbers/collective consciousness). We grab coffee at Stella Nova then walk over to the Myriad Gardens downtown. We meet up just north of the splash pad, remove our shoes, meditate, ground, and walk around some, but mostly dream of the lives we are creating regardless of anyone else’s belief in me, my projects, my vision, passion, or interests. I show up every Saturday for me.
Healing Benefits Of Grounding
Improved Sleep
Research suggests that grounding can improve sleep by regulating circadian rhythms. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participants who used grounding techniques experienced better sleep quality and fewer disturbances.
Reduced Inflammation
Grounding has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce chronic pain. A study in the Journal of Inflammation Research showed that grounding reduces inflammation markers in the body, potentially aiding in the management of autoimmune diseases.
Enhanced Mood And Stress Reduction
Connecting with the Earth can lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. This stress reduction can improve overall mood and mental health. A study conducted by the University of California found that grounding significantly reduces stress and anxiety.
Improved Heart Health
Grounding may also support cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and reducing blood viscosity. This can lower the risk of heart disease and improve overall heart function.
How To Incorporate Grounding Into Your Daily Routine
Morning Routine: Start your day with a few minutes of barefoot walking on grass or soil. I water the garden barefoot.
Work Breaks: Take short breaks during your workday to step outside and connect with the ground.
Weekend Activities: Plan outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, or picnics to ensure regular grounding. Come join our Saturday meet-up for grounding and walking meditation on Saturday mornings.
Home Practices: Use grounding mats and sheets while working, relaxing, or sleeping indoors. I love mine!
My Healing Journey
I’m still healing. I’ll find out more next Wednesday, but the initial report showed no new disease. It’s gone from my lung and lymph nodes on the left side. There are no plans for an operation. My oncologist says I have 3-5 years to live, so chemotherapy (round 6 of 6 next week) is only palliative. There’s no evidence to support that a mastectomy extends life with metastatic disease, so nothing is planned other than to remove my port when I defy the odds and heal all of this! It’s still in places, but it’s getting smaller and smaller. Healing!
I was initially diagnosed in April 2023, and I’m a little over a year into this life of healing cancer, but I’m doing great! I feel 100% better than I did last April when my parents took me to MD Anderson. My energy is about 1/10th of what it was before chemo, but I’m spending it on family and creating new projects. It’s all getting better.
My parents moved me into their travel trailer out back, so I get to ground in the garden every morning and wake up to the birds. I ground as much as possible and meditate as much as possible. I owe a lot of my healing to my new environment.
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Conclusion
Grounding is a simple yet profound way to enhance your physical and mental health. By incorporating grounding practices into your daily life, you can experience numerous healing benefits, from improved sleep and reduced inflammation to better mood and heart health. Start grounding today and join our community for ongoing support and inspiration on your journey to holistic well-being.
Feel free to share your experiences with grounding and how it has benefited you in the comments below and don’t forget to join us on Saturdays whether you are in OKC or join right where you are at 11:00 am central standard time/9:00 am in LA. Together, we can inspire and support each other on our journeys to better health and well-being.
