Grounding is a term we’ve heard people bounce around in recent trends, & we’d like to explore & explain a few of the ideas & the benefits.
There are a few definitions to review first: Grounding has been around for centuries. As far back as ancient China, the healthy benefits of QI introduced the idea that the earth’s natural energy, sunlight, moonlight, & the earth’s magnetic energies, were forces we could tap into to bolster our own natural energies,& be much healthier for it.
Fast forward to the 1800s in Germany, where Adolf Just introduced a complete lifestyle routine based on the connection, literally, of a body to the earth as a way to improve mental, physical & spiritual health. He is considered one of the founding fathers of naturopathy, & was instrumental in bringing this ancient concept into modern times.
His belief that we can tap into the earth’s curative energies, especially through our feet, also corresponds to the current belief that we can rid ourselves of many toxins through the feet. The Chinese have used foot pads for ages, & there are ionic baths & other modern products on this older concept. Enough research to warrant believing there’s a connection. At the very least, taking a long, barefoot walk in the woods followed by a warm footbath with epsom salts can only help everything.
From the Matthew Tavera, the French agronomist who spoke of “electric nutrition” , to Native-Americans who drew energy & healing from Mother Earth, we could expand for years on how much information supports the idea that a connection to nature, & specifically to the earth’s soil, is a beneficial source of replenishment to our health.
Which brings us to the more modern take on grounding. The evolved idea is that a return to nature, in the form of walking barefoot, & sleeping outdoors, combines the older idea of connecting to the earth’s energies, in addition to the calming concept of mindfulness. Together they create a sense of well-being that is overwhelming beneficial to your health.
In addition, we are surrounded by so many electronic devices, from smart phones to laptops & home entertainment & security systems, that we are bombarded by the electromagnetic currents that science has proven disrupt our ability to relax & sleep well.
It is more important than ever to consciously detach from the frenetic, & simply take a soothing barefoot stroll in your favorite place. Mine has always been the beach, so whenever I can, I take my dog & comb the shoreline as I dart in & out of the water. I have sought solace from the shoreline since I was a little girl.
I’m not alone for sure. Can you count how many people you know who talk about how relaxed & centered they feel after just taking a barefoot stroll along the water? Or for others, it’s a walk in the woods. With Patrick, it’s hiking the mountain trails.
Everyone feels the replenishing energy that comes from connecting to nature in their favorite spot. When we do, we also become more clearly aware of our surroundings, & more mindful & appreciative of the blessings in our lives.
*If you would like more information on Grounding-Mindfulness & our back-to-nature suggestions, please email us. We have quite a collection of research documents we can share. We can also provide a unique plan for your personal needs to incorporate the benefits of grounding & mindfullness in your every day lifestyle.
We’ll be exploring more on this in our Thursday podcast, the PJ Wellness Show at 7PM.
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Best, Patrick & Jo-Anna
TakeAway Tip-Combining your connection to nature with mindfulness can make all the difference in creating the lifestyle you want. It will boost your ability to live well, & enjoy a healthier-happier life.