People often talk about the practice of “grounding yourself”, but what exactly does this mean and why is it beneficial for you?
Grounding is a way to connect to ourselves and the earth. It is a way to reconnect with what's important in life. In this state, we have a calm acceptance of our lives and we can hear our inner voice more clearly. We are present, and there’s a stillness in our bodies as we feel solid foundations. We feel at peace but also alert and alive.
Grounding is a term that can help us to achieve the following states:
- Connection to ourselves
- Connection to the earth
- Presence in the moment
- Mindfulness
- Acceptance of what is
When we are grounded, we can live with more authenticity because we can hear our inner guidance. This voice is not easy to hear with the noise and distractions of everyday life. In this space, we show compassion and understanding towards ourselves and each other, allowing us to spread the inner peace that extends from within us to the world around us. This creates more harmony in the world.
When you are ungrounded you feel distracted, unfocused and lost. You can feel anxious, tired, uneasy and overwhelmed. It might lead you to question yourself constantly and finishing projects can become extra challenging.
Many people do not realise when they are ungrounded - but the good news is that all of us have the opportunity to become grounded it is not the gift of a select few. It is a practice and it starts with being self-aware. Taking a step back to observe how you feel as opposed to reacting to how you feel.
So knowing what grounding is and its benefits, how can we ground ourselves?
It’s ideal to have a daily grounding practice to help us cultivate grounding as a skill. If you wait until you feel ungrounded to start the practice of grounding, it can be more difficult to feel the benefits. Kind of like learning to run when you have a sore ankle. That being said, it’s also important to be kind to yourself, if you fall out of practice for any reason. Just start again, with self-kindness but without self-criticism.
The methods below are some ways to ground yourself. They are all ways to help you relax, be present, and feel inner peace. They help you tune out to the hustle and distractions around you. Find what works for you (which may be different in different situations) and which activities you can implement as an ongoing practice.
Nature
Meditation as part of yoga or as its own practice
A way to stop and quieten the mind. Joining face-to-face meditation classes in your local area or using meditation apps such as Insight Timer, Headspace, or Calm
Journalling
Writing about whatever is on your mind, without judgment, helps to release it. You can start a journaling practice on your own or join a journaling community.
Exercise
As we get the body moving, we focus on the here and now. Exercise gets the blood flowing around the body, reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.
Crystals
You can meditate with crystals or wear or carry them as a way to focus and feel the power of your intention as you go about your day.
The crystals that support grounding include:
- Black Tourmaline
- Bloodstone
- Smoky Quartz
- Hematite
- Red Jasper
- Moss Agate
- Black Banded Agate (Black Sulemani)
- Black Rutilated Quartz
- Dalmatian Stone
Gratitude practice
Expressing gratitude is another way to anchor you in the present moment as you feel the deep sense of peace and positivity that comes from appreciation.
Getting enough sleep and eating nourishing food
When we take care of ourselves, we put less stress on our bodies. In this space, we are more calm and able to connect to ourselves and feel grounded.
Breathwork
Using the breath to still the mind and reduce stress is called breathwork. It is a beautiful and restorative practice that has also been shown to have many health benefits. There are many great breathwork facilitators as well as apps like Insight Timer, Headspace, or Calm that offer breathwork meditation.
Creative activities like art, music and dance
As we enjoy expressing ourselves through creative activities, we become lost in the moment, and present with our heart to feel. Through this space, we can connect to ourselves more deeply.
Genuine connection with family and friends
Being present and available to others and when we feel valued, seen and heard, we feel nourished, grounded and balanced
Grounding helps us feel calmer, more balanced and more focused. And by establishing a regular routine, grounding practices come more naturally, becoming an effective tool when we are anxious or overwhelmed.