ARE YOU DOING THESE 5 THINGS TO KEEP YOU GROUNDED?
Have you ever heard someone talk about being grounded? And no, I don't mean the form of punishment some of us (and by some, I mean myself) became a little too familiar with as a rebellious teenager. Are you grounded? How can it affect you if your'e not, and why is it even important?
You may be thinking that you’re naturally in your body and gravity has you connected to the earth. Well....yes and no!
Grounding is basically balancing out the spiritual and physical energy in your body, by connecting yourself with the earth. When you are grounded, you feel like you are here, in the physical, in the present. To be grounded gives your energy a point of steadiness. Much like a tree with its root system deep underground, being grounded gives you a strong base to work from, to grow from.
You’ll know if you’re grounded if you feel centred, strong, focused and composed. Much like that tree, you’ll be flexbile enough to blow in the breeze, but still hold your ground. You’ll feel a slow, steady, strong intent to your being.
Unfortunately, most people are unaware of the fact that they are ungrounded, and just carry on trying to survive each day. In this day and age, society as a whole are becoming more and more disconnected from ourselves and others. We are distracted by technology and so busy "doing", not "being", that we have lost touch. Some of you are thinkers, not feelers , so you are in your head more than you are in your body. You think about your feelings rather than feel them. This means you are ungrounded.
It’s not often that we stop, take a step back and assess our own lives and emotional states. It's something which we should do more regularly! However, it's often very easy to notice if somebody else around you is ungrounded.
These are some of the sypmtoms to look for in yourself and others:
Feeling physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually drained
Being easily affected by what’s going on around you, especially other people’s’ energy or mood
Lacking focus, are easily distracted, irritable, scattered, anxious, depressed
Feeling ‘spacey’ or lightheaded. Your head (and energy) is often ‘in the clouds’ – constantly daydreaming
Busyness, constant rushing without being present to the moment
Clumsiness, constantly dropping things or running into things
Catching yourself wondering “how did I get here?”
Inflammation, poor sleep, chronic pain, fatigue, poor circulation
If you have answered yes to any of the above and want to improve your health and wellbeing, it may be a good idea to try these easy and practical ways to ground yourself:
Exercise:
Moving/exercising your physical body is a great way to bring you into the present. Instead of sitting, stressing or focussing on the past/wondering about the future, get up and get moving. Try walking, running, yoga, tai chi, weights, an exercise class - (outdoors in nature is an added bonus!) anything which brings you back into your body in the present moment.
Earthing:
Earthing allows a transfer of negatively charged electrons from the Earth’s surface into the body. These electrons neutralize positively charged free radicals that cause chronic inflammation. An excess of free radicals damages our cell membranes and DNA, leading to cancer and other diseases. Because earthing has shown to reduce blood viscosity (thickness) and inflammation, it has the potential to support cardiovascular health as well as improve immune response, reduce emotional stress and elevate moods to name a few.
All you need to do is find some sand/grass/dirt, take your shoes off and go for a walk to allow the earth’s energy to nourish and restore your body’s energy. Remember - no concrete or shoes allowed!
Crystals:
Crystals are a great tool to use to ground your energy. It is best to carry them in a trouser/jacket/skirt pocket (ladies you can even use your bra).You must remember to cleanse and dedicate your chosen crystal for this purpose before using it. A small tumbled stone is ideal to carry with you. Crystals that can be used for grounding include Red jasper (most jaspers are good as grounders) Bloodstone, Hematite, Gold tigers eye, Carnelian, Garnet, Pyrite, Amber.
Grounding Tree Meditation:
Find somewhere quiet to sit/stand, preferably barefoot, with your feet flat on the earth. Taking deep breaths, focus on the feeling of the ground beneath you. Picture your feet growing roots which extend all the way down into the centre of the earth. Breathe in deep from your roots, from the soles of your feet. Pull in the energy the earth has to offer, gaining nourishment from it.
Allow the energy to spread throughout your body and allow your stress to be released from the crown of your head. Raise your arms and imagine long branches which stretch all the way up to the warmth of the sun.
Allow the earth and the sun to strengthen your spirit and relax your mind. You can stay in this meditation for as long as you like, and open your eyes whenever you feel ready to do so.
Be Still:
Find somewhere comfortable outside, and be still and quiet. Use your sense of sight, hearing and smell to experience the world around you. Keep yourself in the present. If you feel your mind wander, just gently bring yourself back to your breath. You should experience a sense of peace that right now, right at this moment you are okay and that nothing bad is happening to you. This will give you a greater sense of appreciation for your life and make you feel at one with the world around you.
I hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to send them my way.
Be well
Alexis x
