April 22, 2018 is Earth Day. Before I talk about Planting Yourself on Earth Day, I would like to comment on the importance of this day. The Earth Day 2018 theme is to end plastic pollution. Individuals, communities, corporations and governments from around the world will focus on the elimination of single-use plastics and global regulation of how to dispose of plastics that are hurting our natural resources and our health.
While many people will be cleaning up their communities and planting trees, I would like you to consider the concept of Planting Yourself, at the same time. What I mean by that is getting mentally, emotionally and physically grounded as you feel a conscious, spiritual appreciation for the planet we call home. Grounding is also referred to as “Earthing”. Planting or grounding yourself is a great way to de-stress, decrease inflammation, and increase your energy.
Earthing is about connecting with and absorbing the energy and frequency of the electrons from the earth directly through the skin of the feet, hands or entire body. Dr. Joseph Mercola explains, “When we connect to the earth through a conductive surface, in some way, there is a transfer of electrons that slowly go into our body.” Science suggests that drawing in the negatively charged electrons from the ground can help neutralize cell damaging free radicals and stop the oxidation and inflammation in the body. We can ground ourselves while standing, walking, or lying down on the earth, swimming in natural bodies of water, or by planting a garden, flowers, or trees. How have we gotten so far away from this valuable daily healing source?
First, people tend to work in buildings and less outdoors or in the fields. Some people may wait for a beach vacation to spread their toes in the sand. Many wear shoes inside and outside the home and only remove them to go to bed. Rubber soles have largely replaced leather bound shoes, especially for walking or running. It is known that rubber shields and blocks the energy from being absorbed by the body. Grounding pioneer Clint Ober comments, “(Rubber sole shoes) is the single thing that happened that probably caused the proliferation of inflammation related health disorders far above anything else.” So even though we are outside receiving ample amounts of health promoting Vitamin D, we may not be connecting with the benefits Earthing provides. The body needs the nourishment, the prana, the life force we receive from nature.
There are studies now validating what native cultures have known and practice – the health benefits of Earthing. Stress and chronic inflammation is a common problem and a major factor in many diseases. Clint Ober states that “if inflammation is the cause of all these health disorders then I know that not grounding is the cause of inflammation. So then if the body is grounded you can’t have inflammation.”
I love to go shoeless. I do not wear shoes inside my home or office. When I walk barefoot or lie down in the sand, or on the grass, I feel an immediate calmness. All stress dissolves. It’s a full body-mind-spirit-environment experience. I know I’m soaking up energy. I feel revived and peaceful. A sense of wellbeing showers me.
I would like to share with you how I mindfully practice Earthing and Plant Myself in the ground. Before you start, allocate 15 – 30 minutes of undisturbed time. Choose where and how you will connect with the earth. Explore this practice with the awe and wonder of a playful child discovering something for the first time. Set your soul free.
- With full present moment awareness, touch and connect with the earth.
- Visualize the healing energy moving deep inside the earth. See this energy as gold or platinum higher light frequencies.
- Imagine the gold or platinum energy is entering through the soles or palms of the hands, traveling throughout the body and healing you.
- Look around and take in the colors, textures and shapes through the eyes.
- Breath in the breath of the vegetation surrounding you, acknowledge the symbiotic relationship you have with the oxygen converting plants.
- Listen the sounds around you.
- Notice any aromas or fragrances.
- Take in the love and joy of life. Be aware you are not separate from the earth’s energies for you and nature are one. Feel the unity and oneness of all living things.
Listen to Clint Ober’s “Down to Earth” documentary on The Science of Grounding
The information contained in this article is for educational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with your doctor first before starting any new practices or health programs.
Catherine Schwallie
Thank you for this wonderful reminder, Jan. I love feeling the grass and sand beneath my bare feet!
Angela DiNapoli
Thank you, Jan.
I’m following your advice as I plod through the stressful process of organizing and packing for my return to Connecticut on April 28:
All my best,
Angela DiNapoli