Benefits of Being Barefoot Outside and Earthing
Earthing involves making direct physical contact with the Earth's surface to connect with its natural electrical charge. Better understand the earthing practice, its benefits, and ideas on how to practice earthing.
Dear Spirited Earthling,
Being barefoot outside is a simple yet effective way to connect with nature and experience the benefits of earthing. This practice of earthing or grounding has been part of our human connection to the Earth for thousands of years.
The practice of earthing has its roots in traditional medicine and cultural practices. Ancient texts from India and China describe the healing properties of walking barefoot on the earth. Practices like Qigong and Tai Chi often involve grounding exercises to cultivate this vital energy. Native American cultures also incorporated earthing into their healing practices, using the earth's energy to help balance the body's energy systems.
Indigenous cultures around the world have long recognized the importance of being connected to the earth. Practices like walking barefoot, sleeping on the ground, or sitting directly on the earth have been part of their traditions for centuries. The practice of earthing has a rich history and continues to be a valuable tool for improving health and well-being.
The modern interest in grounding can be traced back to the work of Clint Ober, a former cable television executive, who began researching the health effects of grounding in the 1990s. Since Ober's initial research, there has been a growing body of scientific studies examining the potential health benefits of grounding. Some research suggests that grounding may have positive effects on inflammation, pain, sleep, stress, and overall well-being.
What is Earthing and its Purpose?
Earthing is the physical connection of the human body with the Earth, by walking barefoot or sitting and lying on the ground. Our positively charged bodies are balanced when connected with the Earth’s predominant negative charge.
Electrical lines and devices are ‘grounded’ so that stray voltage goes into the Earth where it is discharged safely. This grounding means there is no build-up of energy where it can be dangerous. When we walk barefoot on natural surfaces, the soles of our feet are able to absorb the Earth's energy, which is believed to have a balancing effect on our bodies. This energy is thought to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can cause inflammation and contribute to chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
Emotions have been described as energy in motion. Think of earthing as grounding your emotions and releasing any excess emotions that should not be building up in you. It allows us to slow down and connect with the natural world around us, which can be a restoring experience for both the mind and body.
Grounding balances your energy - it takes what is no longer serving you and gives you what you need.
What are the Benefits of Earthing?
Why is earthing good for you? The benefits of being grounded include:
Encouraging calmness
Better sleep
Reduced pain
Reduced inflammation
Improves blood flow and pressure
Promotes weight loss
Balances hormone levels
Better mobility
Boosts energy
In Rooted, author Lynda Lynn Haupt admits to reading the scientific papers on earthing and isn’t completely convinced on the science behind it. However spiritually, she feels the need to connect and encourages her readers to practice earthing. Although the science of earthing is “murky” for her, there is science in the health benefits of being barefoot outside.
“Biomechanists and exercise scientists demonstrate that walking shoeless on varied terrain strengthens muscles, corrects bunions, and increases grace and ease in movement of all kinds - a physical intelligence accessed from the ground up.” ~ Lynda Lynn Haupt, Rooted
How to Practice Earthing
Earthing involves making direct physical contact with the Earth's surface to connect with its natural electrical charge.
Walk Barefoot: One of the easiest ways to ground yourself is by walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, soil, or even unpaved trails. The soles of your feet have many nerve endings that can make this a particularly effective method of earthling.
Lie Down on the Ground: Find a comfortable spot outdoors, like a grassy field or a sandy beach, and lie down on the ground. Resting your entire body on the earth allows for full-body grounding.
Gardening: Gardening involves direct contact with the soil, which can be a grounding activity. Planting, weeding, or simply digging in the dirt can help you connect with the Earth.
Outdoor Yoga or Tai Chi: Practising yoga or Tai Chi outdoors on natural surfaces can enhance the grounding experience. These movements often include postures or poses where your hands, feet, or body make contact with the ground.
Swimming in Natural Water: Swimming in natural bodies of water, like lakes, rivers, or oceans, can also be grounding. The water itself is in contact with the Earth's surface, so you can absorb the energy as you swim.
Meditation and Visualization: You can practice grounding through meditation and visualization. Imagine roots extending from your body into the Earth's core, anchoring you to the ground. Focus on this connection as you meditate.
Mindful Walking: Take a mindful walk outdoors, paying close attention to each step you take. Feel the ground beneath your feet and the sensations of walking. This can help you stay present and connected.
Breathing Exercises: While sitting or lying on the ground, practice deep breathing exercises. Inhale slowly and exhale deeply, feeling a connection to the Earth with each breath.
Remember to unplug and disconnect. Spend time in nature without electronic devices. There are grounding mats and sheets for indoor use. When you make contact with the mat or sheet, you can achieve a similar effect to outdoor grounding. Ultimately, intentions are powerful so have the intention to ground and connect with the energy of the Earth.
“Shoes put little blindfolds on our soles.” ~ Lynda Lynn Haupt, Rooted
Indoor Earthing Techniques
Living in urban environments means earthing with physical contact can be difficult. You can practice grounding through meditation and visualisation. Imagine roots extending from your body into the Earth's core, anchoring you to the ground. Focus on this connection as you meditate.
The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique involves grounding yourself using the 5 senses and settling into the present moment (this technique is often recommended to calm anxiety). Take a breath and note:
5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
Earthing and grounding movies and documentaries
There are two freely available movies on YouTube: The Earthing Movie and Grounding.
The Earthing Movie showcases the effect of grounding on humans. In the movie, thermographic images from a scientific study show reduced inflammation after the patient was grounded. Grounding (also known as The Grounded Documentary) shows the effects of grounding on humans, and also on plants and animals.
Click to watch the movie on YouTube
As with any wellness practice, it's essential to listen to your body and do what feels right for you. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, consult with a healthcare professional before making grounding a regular part of your routine.
Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to the world. Written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life, this blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.
As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living.
Thank you for being part of this community.
Best wishes, warmest regards
Jordan
Affirmations: I am grounded. The energy of the Earth flows through me. I am protected and I am safe.
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