Grounding (sometimes referred to as earthing) is a simple practice that helps restore our nervous system to its natural, optimal state. By connecting our bare feet with the earth, we recharge our bodies with healing "earth energy," benefiting from the earth's natural frequency of around 7.8 Hz.
Grounding has been linked to various health benefits, including faster recovery from illness and injury, relief from jet lag, exhaustion, inflammation, arthritis, weight issues, depression, chronic pain, and more. Spending time in nature is scientifically proven to rejuvenate our bodies, minds, and nervous systems, with the greatest benefits coming when our feet make direct contact with the earth.
Grounding can be done in a park, garden, beach, forest, or any place with natural ground safe for bare feet. When going barefoot is not possible due to weather or other conditions, you can still practice grounding by connecting with trees. By touching or leaning against a tree, you can benefit from the natural, stabilising energy that trees provide.
Here are ten grounding practices to try. Allow yourself 30 minutes, and choose the activities that feel right for you. Please use your discretion, know your body, and ground safely. This is not medical advice.
Ground: Stand barefoot on the earth. Feel the difference between the energy in your body and the earth beneath you. Visualise your feet "rooted" in the ground and gently sway like a tree, noticing how gravity connects you to the earth.
Mountain Pose and Breathe: Stand with arms at your sides, inhale deeply through your nose as you raise your arms overhead, and rise onto your toes. Hold for a count of four, then exhale as you lower your arms and feet. Repeat three times, filling your lungs with nature’s fresh air.
Move: Shake out your legs, feet, arms, and body. Sway back and forth, letting gravity guide you. Keep moving until it feels effortless, releasing tension and shifting emotions.
Notice: Find a comfortable spot on the ground or in a tree, and immerse yourself in your surroundings. Engage your senses fully, and notice the details of the natural world around you.
Yoga/Qigong: Practise yoga, qigong, or similar movement practices outdoors to connect your body with earth energy.
Conscious Breathing: Lie on the ground, directly or with a thin cover, and breathe deeply. Notice any tension or pain in your body, and consciously breathe into those areas, releasing the tension into the earth.
Mindful Walking: Walk slowly and mindfully, synchronising your breath with your steps. Pause to observe nature with all your senses, especially in rainy weather.
Work/Garden: Tend to the earth through gardening or similar activities. Stay low to the ground, and make your work a mindful practice. Spend 20-30 minutes engaged in this connection.
Tatami Time: "Tatami Time" refers to the practice of lying down on the ground and fully relaxing to reset your nervous system, inspired by the Japanese tatami mats used in traditional Japanese homes. Lay on a natural surface and enjoy activities like sky-gazing, daydreaming, meditating, or simply breathing and being present with nature.
Gratitude: Bring your body into a child’s pose with your head touching the earth. As you relax and surrender to gravity, take a moment to express gratitude for the support and nourishment the earth provides. Feel the stability and comfort beneath you, and let this sense of appreciation deepen your connection with nature.
For more ways to reconnect, see the Nature Connection page on our website. Please support this work by becoming a monthly donor today.