What is Grounding?

In all the years I have been doing healing work, whether energetic or geared toward embodiment, I have heard a lot of talk about grounding.  But what the heck does that word, “grounding” mean?

In current times, grounding means reconnecting to the earth’s electric energy. I have often read and observed that when done properly, grounding can help calm anxiety and stress.  As a Craniosacral Therapist, while I am sitting at the feet of a person who comes into awareness of their body, it’s easy to sense their ” grounded presence’ down to the toes.  It feels very integrated, and full.

Here are a few ideas you can try to have your own experience of grounding:

1.  Breathe into your body with awareness. Mindfulness wakes up the body communication between the brain and the rest of yourself. Start by breathing in your head, and work downward until you embrace the sensation down to your toes.

2.  Walk barefoot outside.  I know that when I walk outside, I feel my feet being supported by the earth.  I listen to what the earth sounds to me, and it feels so structured, nourishing and strong.  It’s great!

3.  With loose wrists, do percussion slapping lightly around your whole body.  It’s sort of like cupping very quickly to a rhythm.  It’s stirs the nervous system into attention.

4.  Jump into some water.  Either a shower, bath or a pool.  Soak and feel the sensations.  Water can help us to feels refreshed and awake.

5.  Play with your dog or cat.  Animals are naturally grounded.  Interacting with them can bring such joy and groundedness.

6.  Jump rope or jump on a small trampoline, or sit on a bounce ball.  All of these help to connect the feet and legs to the earth.  Of course waking up our lower part of our bodies well.

7.  Dancing:  Anything that is done through movement with the body can be very grounding.  It’s fun, creative and opens us up to the more physical parts of ourself.

I can’t tell you how many times people lose their connection to the ground, especially as they get older.  It’s important to connect to the physical part of our being.  It helps us to feel like the earth is here to provide us with what we need.  It helps us to trust in life.

So when you are feeling afraid, or stressed.  Set your intention to reconnect again by grounding.  Make it a daily practice.  Notice how much more secure and happy you feel.  Pull yourself up from your bootstraps and take off!

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

703 509-1792

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

6797 N. High St. #333. Worthington, Ohio 43085