The Value of Grounding.
How good does the ground feel on your bare feet?
I took this photo when visiting the Crystal Castle as part of my June wellness trip in 2021. I jumped at the chance to let my feet breathe and walk on this uneven stone surface, massaging the soles of my feet and associated reflex zones while mindfully circling the massive rose quartz crystal placed in the middle of the area.
It was a perfect opportunity to combine two very powerful grounding practices – focusing on the feet and being present in the body while being literally connected to the Earth.
Life can be oh so amazing and by the same token, demanding and busy. We tend to have (or put!) plenty on our plates and in this current environment, it can be extra challenging to cope and deal with what is in front of us. Without question, there is a lot going on in the world and our immediate surroundings - these external factors coupled with the reactions of those around us, can bring our internal landscape into disarray, derail and destabilise us.
Based on my personal experience and through working with clients in my clinic, I find that becoming ungrounded may either be a direct result of the stressors and/or can further exasperate them, unravelling us even further. Re-balancing and re-grounding are essential components of Kinesiology treatments to help reset and centre us.
In my view, grounding practices are a key component to our wellbeing, keeping us aligned and integrated so we can function as effectively as possible.
Feeling ungrounded?
Everyone may experience this a little differently; when we are ungrounded, we may:
- Feel “top-heavy” with a lot of energy being locked up in our head
- Experience excessive mental activity with seemingly never-ending swirling or erratic thoughts
- Feel scattered and all over the place
- Feel foggy and unclear to the point of spaced out
- Have trouble focusing, concentrating or making decisions
- Get more easily overwhelmed than usual and/or start feeling unsettled or anxious
- Feel drained and exhausted as it takes a lot of energy to function.
Naturally there can be many reasons why we might be feeling like this yet I found that grounding can be the first step to improving these states of being, helping us to re-centre and re-balance. When we consciously connect to our feet and the ground, excess energy can be drawn from our head down into the earth, anchoring us.
When grounded, we usually feel more solid and stable with the ability to draw on our full faculties, so we can manage life, situations and stresses with more clarity and ease.
How to ground?
Grounding yourself on a daily basis, multiple times a day as required, doesn’t have to take long and is a simple yet powerful way to return to the now moment and connect with yourself, settling your energy.
I recommend to incorporate grounding into your morning routine, either before you get up or as you get up, so it becomes second nature. There is no right or wrong way of doing this, the below is only a guide. I encourage you to experiment to see what feels good for you and find your unique way of grounding yourself.
Here’s how I teach my clients and how I ground myself – you can do this lying down, seated or standing up; personally I find it easier when I literally stand on my feet (note, this works also with socks/ shoes on).
- Close your eyes, take a few conscious breaths
- In your mind’s eye visualise yourself somewhere in nature where you feel relaxed, calm and at ease – this could be by the beach, in a forest, near a water fall or lake or in a rural setting; it could also be an activity that fulfills you e.g. I had clients visualise themselves doing yoga
- Whichever space you choose to visualise yourself in, bring your awareness to your feet - let them be bare and let them touch the ground, imagining you can feel the surface your are standing on i.e. feel the sand, leaves, soil, moss, water, pebbles etc. and anchor into it
- As you feel the ground beneath you, stay attuned to the rhythm of your breath, deepening your breath for a few rounds
- As you inhale, try to imagine that your breath is coming literally from the earth, drawing it up through your feet, legs, into your upper body and head
- As you exhale, release your breath down the same visual route, via your legs through your feet into the earth
- It’s like seeing your breath as a symbolic energy wave, cleansing you and at the same time, grounding, anchoring and nourishing you
- If you find you get distracted by thoughts, sounds or sensations, gently bring yourself back to your grounding vision (you could also repeat a mantra to keep you focused such as “I am grounded.”)
- Do this for a few minutes or as long as it feels good, extend and/or repeat as required
- If you like, you could finish with an affirmation and/or setting a positive intention for the day.
As you get more practised, you will be able to do this rather quickly and bring yourself instantly to your grounding space and your system will respond accordingly – mentally, emotionally and physically. This can be a handy tool when you feel exhausted or overwhelmed or when situations surprise or stress you. Consider using it prior to managing a challenging task or conversation or, before bed to calm your system and improve your sleep quality.
Earthing
There is another effective method of grounding yourself - earthing as it is scientifically referred to. Earthing means to stand or walk bare feet on sand, leaves, stones or even concrete, thus making literal contact with the Earth’s surface and therefore tapping into its free and vast supply of electrons.
The Earth’s natural occurring electric charge positively effects the body and its systems; it provides physiological stability and, as shown in several studies, can reduce inflammation, pain, stress, sleep problems and increase blood flow (to name a few benefits), overall leading to improved wellness.
How magical is it to wander around with bare feet? Besides it being a wonderful grounding experience, for me it also brings up fond childhood memories, inspiring lightness, fun and a sense of freedom.
In conclusion
My recommendation and practical application on a personal level, is a two-way approach which beautifully aligns with what Kinesiology is all about: a holistic approach, blending Eastern philosophies with Western science:
- Ground yourself daily - by tuning into a grounding vision of your choice, connecting with yourself, your breath, your feet and your body – you can do this at anytime, anywhere
- Earth yourself as time and circumstances allow - by making direct contact with the earth’s surface; stand or walk bare feet as often as possible with a conscious awareness and openness to receiving the Earth’s natural source of electrons into your body.
If you like to explore how Kinesiology can support you, please email me, call or book online.
Happy Grounding and Earthing,
Lexi
As always, listen to your body and observe whether this is beneficial for you. Everyone has different needs and if in doubt, conduct further research or consult with your healthcare professional.
Related articles from the Complete Connection Library.
Click on the link to access the article:
- Maintaining a strong and balanced auric field
- Electro-Magnetic Field (EMF) sensitivity – Insights & Tips
- Calming Technique: Calm yourself and your system
- Vagus Nerve - Switch on your relaxation response
- Mantras - Simple yet powerful
- Daily Affirmations - Choose with intention how you would like to think, feel and be
Last reviewed and updated - May 2024