The term grounding techniques is something we hear used a lot when people talk about methods such as meditation and martial arts. So, what are grounding exercises, and why is grounding important?
What is Grounding?
Grounding is a term used in many fields, from physics and electronics and in the domain of spirituality. Grounding is a connection between objects. Science tells us all matter is a form of every, so we ARE a kind of energy that is conscious.
We can measure the effects of grounding our physiology, and we can experience these changes in our body in several ways. They help us regulate heart rate and respiration; they give us a sense of peace. Grounding is real. Let’s start with some definitions and then look at some examples of grounding techniques or grounding exercises related to spiritual exploration. (1)
Why is Grounding Important?
Mental health professionals use the term grounding to describe strategies to help people regulate their emotions. A mental anchor helps to keep you from slipping into unwanted thoughts and feelings. Many of the ancient techniques we’ll outline can help with this kind of anchoring, but are not intended as a substitute for treatment.
Almost anything we can focus on can be a mental anchor. Many grounding techniques help you become present. When you are present, it keeps the mind from fixating on negative thoughts. We won’t go into these clinical applications. Our interest is in methods that cultivate and expand awareness.
What Are Grounding Exercises?
Grounding methods are mental and physical techniques that help us connect, amplify and align energy either internally or with the Earth. When we are grounded, we are present, balanced, and aligned. We can think more clearly and act with more purpose. Many of these methods calm our hyperactive minds and cultivate a state of restful alertness. An example of this is when you feel calm during chaos. The calmness comes from being grounded. (2)
So, do they work? Yes. Try one of these exercises for yourself and see. Many of these processes are used all around the world and you can learn them from the articles on this website.
When we are grounded, it means we have connected all three aspects of our essence, which include the body, mind, and spirit. It’s a mental and physical state can generate energy. When we are grounded, we are present and aware. Why is grounding important? As we stabilize and align our awareness, we feel in tune and have a sense of inner harmony.
Practicing these techniques makes us more aware of all three aspects of our essence. They help us observe our thoughts so we make better decisions. These techniques also make us more aware of our bodies, so we are aware of minor issues before they become major ones.
Grounding is the key to the experience of oneness. Oneness is not just a philosophical point of view. It is the physically sensing our deep connection with the environment. This occurs when our vibrational frequency aligns with nature.
What Are Grounding Exercises Good for?
Body ― The realization that we are part of nature, and the Earth. Every material that makes up our body comes from the planet. The Earth is a significant part of our essence. We can learn to resonate with the vibrational frequency of the Earth.
Mind ― The mind is the mechanism that connects our consciousness to our bodies. It’s the mechanism of Ego that contains our personality and instincts. These tools are the window that connects us to the Observer. Some people call it the Observer, Spirit, or Soul.
Spirit ― Our Spirit, Soul, or Observer isn’t physical, but we know it exists because it is the person you talk to inside your head. It’s the person who experiences your dreams when you sleep. It’s the “real you.” The Observer connects to our body via the thread of consciousness. One of the primary goals of many grounding exercises is to connect the body, mind, and spirit.
Extra Benefits of Being Grounded
Proper alignment promotes clear rational thinking. Enhancing critical thinking is vital. It also gives us some control over the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. It affords us control over our anger and fear, fight, flight, or freeze response. Thus, we are more emotionally stable.
If someone asks what is grounding, and why it is essential? You can tell them it’s all about generating positive vibes and balancing your emotional equilibrium. That’s because when we connect with the Earth, we connect with other people. Thus, it facilitates positive thoughts and energy. We use positive energy healing for practices like Reiki, Shiatsu, and Pejut. Above all, the effect is positive and beneficial for our health and wellness.
Primary Grounding Exercises
We’ve put together a list of the best grounding techniques we teach in our blended learning process of spiritual exploration. Many people believe this is the best place to start your spiritual journey. That is because many other spiritual technologies depend upon your ability to be grounded and centered.
None require you to join a religion. Some of them require as little as taking off your shoes.
Natural Grounding or Earthing
Walking barefoot is earthing. It’s perhaps the simplest way to become grounded. Electrical engineering is the source of the term Earthing. It means to discharge or exchange electrical energy. The same concept applies to people and the Earth.
Earthing is a grounding technique that helps us exchange energy with the Earth, which connects directly with the nutrients in the soil and the planet’s vibrational energy.
It is preferable to walk barefoot on the ground untouched by man, because it puts you in touch with the unspoiled fabric of the Earth. It’s why walking barefoot on the beach is soothing, and there is some fascinating science behind Earthing (3).
Tree Grounding Exercise
The idea of Tree Grounding is easy to understand. You reach out either physically or visually and connect with a tree. After all, the roots of trees are a physical representation of the connection we are trying to make.
The practice helps to focus the mind on nature, and it helps to calm our overactive minds. Many people find it’s an oasis, giving us a chance to rest. It’s a great way to reduce stress. And it is a way to honor nature.
Beginning Meditation or Grounding Meditation
As the name implies, beginning meditation is a simple two-step meditation method. This process is one of the primary grounding exercises. Because it is only two steps, anyone can learn this method. Children who can count to two can learn this meditation technique.
If you want to learn how to meditate, this is the place to start, because it uses the main principles used in many other advanced forms of meditation. So, master these two fundamental steps, and all other kinds of meditation will be more accessible.
Meditation is the oasis of silence where the mind naturally moves to a place of peace. This oasis settles the active mind and stops internal chatter. When we silence our inner chatter, this allows us to feel grounded; that’s why it’s called a grounding meditation. Now you can listen and think more clearly. The most productive meetings always begin with a few moments of silence.
Silence is itself a type of grounding. The silence of solitude is healing. It’s like the reset button on a computer.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness builds upon the beginning two-step method and Mindfulness Meditation includes a seated and moving progression. Learning this method is easy. It’s a practical way to take the stillness of meditation into motion. This method builds the bridge between seated and moving meditation. Both processes promote a healthy connection to the “source.” It’s one of the best ways to silence self-talk.
The moving mindfulness method is an excellent way to learn how you can be grounded and yet moving. We use it to prepare other forms of moving meditation, like Tai Chi. You can do it almost anywhere and for any length of time, making it a versatile grounding form.
You can learn the two-step meditation process and both mindfulness methods in less than five minutes, and these techniques are yours forever.
Forest Bathing
Shinrin-yoku is Japanese for “taking in the forest atmosphere.” Most people call this method forest bathing. It combines mindfulness meditation, tree grounding, and walking. In Japan, it is a part of preventative healthcare.
Many see method as the use of moving mindfulness while walking in the wilderness. Being in nature while using mindfulness is a refreshing way to get grounded. When we conduct our seminars, we always try to do it in or near a nature preserve. Spending time in nature facilitates the normalization of any new spiritual technology.
Martial Arts
Grounding is the fundamental principle of martial arts. It also means these arts are a basic form of moving meditation. It seems contrary to common sense. How can one move but also be grounded? Learning to be grounded while in motion is a fundamental martial arts principle.
The choreographed movements and the proper mindset and breathing become a mnemonic learning device. It connects us with the “source” while we are moving. Tai Chi, Tai Ka, and Qigong are martial arts platforms that often focus on this concept. Indonesian forms of Silat use this concept. It’s a way of dancing with your opponent. They will use the rhythm of the Gamelan to become grounded while moving. Combat becomes a dance.
So, What is Grounding, and Why Is Grounding Important?
Grounding exercises are actions that connect and align our mind, body, and spirit. The goal of being grounded is to think and act from a grounded place of alignment. These exercises promote spiritual exploration by connecting us with our true nature. If you learn to be grounded, you build a platform for other spiritual practices.
What are grounding exercises good for in our modern world? They help put life into perspective and help us think more clearly, with less stress. Who wouldn’t want that?
References
(1) Grounding: Exploring Earthing Science and the Benefits Behind It: https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding
(2) What is Grounding: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grounding
(3) The effects of grounding (earthing) on inflammation, the immune response, wound healing, and prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378297/