Why do we need to ground ourselves?
Busy lifestyles, working from home and increased high rise apartment living has made it so that people can now go days without stepping outside and physically touching the earths surface.
Shamen say that is the “Great Mother Earth” that gives us our life force energy and it is through this energy that we are able to develop a truer connection to ourselves and the real meaning of life.
When we are ungrounded or disconnected from the “Great Mother” we can feel low in energy and mood.
Think about how you have felt when you haven’t stepped outside your front door for a few days.
Can you remember if you felt a bit down or even depressed?
I recently went on a short trip and found a nearby park to walk through every day. The trees were so beautiful and the birds so different from where I live that I made a point every day to stop for just a few minutes and take in the surroundings.
Just those few minutes each day of connecting into nature helped me feel more uplifted and energized.
Why not try it for yourself
Take notice next time you are outside. Become more conscious when you are walking to notice each step you take. What does the surface feel like under your feet?
Nature is all around you not matter where you are, and you can become a part of the natural world with conscious effort.
Next time you get a chance take some time to notice the elements on your skin – feel the the warmth of the sunlight, or the coolness of the air; notice how a gentle breeze brushes past your face or a stronger gust flows through your hair.
Getting caught in the rain and feeling the droplets on your skin can be invigorating and can help you to feel more alive.
When you get a chance stop and notice any fragrances in the air, follow the trail and find the flowers or the foliage that carries the scent.
If you are walking early in the morning you can hear the morning songs of the birds. Stop and listen. Hear them calling to one another. Follow their call, notice their songs.
Find a tree and stand under it for a while, touch its bark, examine its leaves, notice the thickness of its roots anchored into the earth. Notice if you start to feel more calm or grounded.
Take off your shoes and walk barefoot on the grass, at the beach become conscious of how the sand feels under your feet and between your toes. Notice how your mood changes when you feel the earth beneath you.
Your body is formed from all the chemicals and elements of this magnificent planet we share.
Some may think money, image and status gives us what we need, but at the end of the day we are a part of nature and nature is an innate part of who we really are.
Here are five common indications of being ungrounded or not present:
1. Overthinking and Worrying: When someone is not grounded, they may find themselves constantly overthinking and worrying about the past or the future. Their thoughts may spiral out of control, making it challenging for them to focus on the present moment.
2. Feeling Anxious or Overwhelmed: A lack of grounding can lead to heightened anxiety and feeling overwhelmed by everyday stressors. The individual may struggle to manage their emotions and may be easily triggered by external circumstances.
3. Disconnection from the Body: Someone who isn’t grounded may feel disconnected from their physical body. They may ignore bodily sensations, have difficulty sensing hunger or fatigue, or experience a general sense of dissociation from their physical presence.
4. Difficulty in Making Decisions: An ungrounded person may find it difficult to make decisions, feeling indecisive or second-guessing their choices. They might be overly influenced by external opinions rather than trusting their inner guidance.
5. Lack of Presence in Interactions: When not grounded or present, a person may appear distracted or distant during conversations and interactions with others. They may struggle to truly engage and actively listen, making it challenging to build meaningful connections.
It’s important to note that everyone can experience moments of being ungrounded or less present from time to time. Life’s challenges and stressors can impact our state of grounding. However, recognizing these signs can be a helpful starting point for individuals to explore ways to cultivate greater presence and grounding in their lives. Grounding practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, spending time in nature, and physical activities, can support individuals in reconnecting with the present moment and fostering a sense of balance and well-being.
Self Reflection Questions:
Here are some self reflective questions to determine if you are ungrounded?
1. How often do you find yourself caught up in thoughts about the past or worries about the future, rather than being fully present in the moment?
2. Are you able to recognize when you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, and do you have tools or practices to bring yourself back to a state of calm and groundedness?
3. Do you notice any physical sensations in your body that may indicate you are feeling ungrounded, such as tension, restlessness, or feelings of disconnection?
4. Are you able to maintain focus and concentration on tasks or conversations, or do you often find your mind wandering?
5. How often do you engage in activities that connect you with nature, such as walking barefoot on the earth, spending time in the outdoors, or gardening?
7. How do you handle difficult emotions or situations? Do you feel overwhelmed by them, or do you have healthy coping mechanisms to process and release emotions?
8. Do you feel a sense of purpose and direction in your life, or do you often feel adrift or uncertain about your path?
9. How do you prioritize self-care and well-being in your daily life? Do you make time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit?
10. Are you aware of any habits or patterns that may be contributing to feeling ungrounded or disconnected, and are you open to exploring ways to shift those patterns?
11. How do you nurture your sense of inner strength and resilience in the face of challenges?
12. Are there any particular areas of your life where you feel more present and grounded, and what practices or habits contribute to that sense of grounding?
Here are some reasons why grounding is important:
- Enhances Presence and Awareness: Grounding brings your focus to the present moment, helping you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.
- When you are grounded, you are less likely to get caught up in anxious thoughts about the future or ruminating on the past, allowing you to fully engage in the here and now.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Grounding practices help calm the nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety. When you feel overwhelmed or disconnected, grounding techniques can quickly bring a sense of stability and ease, promoting a greater sense of inner peace.
- Increases Emotional Resilience: Grounding provides a sense of stability during challenging times, allowing you to navigate difficult emotions with greater resilience. When you are grounded, you are less likely to be swept away by strong emotions, enabling you to respond to situations with more clarity and balance.
- Supports Mental Clarity and Focus: Being grounded helps clear mental clutter and promotes mental clarity and focus. It allows you to concentrate on tasks and make decisions with a more centered and balanced mindset.
- Balances Energy: Grounding helps balance your energy flow throughout the body, ensuring that you are not overly charged or depleted in certain areas. It fosters a harmonious and steady flow of energy, promoting overall vitality and well-being.
- Strengthens Connection with Nature: Many grounding practices involve connecting with nature, such as walking barefoot on the earth or spending time outdoors. This connection with nature can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the natural world and nurture a sense of interconnectedness with all living beings.
- Supports Spiritual Growth: Grounding is an essential practice in spiritual growth and self-discovery. By anchoring yourself to the present moment and the physical body, you can create a stable foundation for exploring deeper spiritual aspects of your being.
- Encourages Self-Reflection: Grounding practices often involve a sense of introspection and self-awareness. This introspective space allows you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and inner experiences with greater clarity and objectivity.
Overall, grounding is a vital practice for our over all mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
It allows us to embrace our authentic selves, navigate challenges with greater ease, and cultivate a deeper sense of presence and well-being in our daily lives.