Grounding practices are so supportive for our nervous system and our whole wellbeing, but as with everything, I love to talk about ways of doing things, that are practical, manageable and realistic for us all - despite our living locations, circumstances, and situations. We so often talk and hear about grounding as 'walking barefoot on the beach' and that's not the only way, and it's not possible for all of us to do this, and we don't need to. Even if you can't go outside through quarantine, self isolation, or perhaps you are unwell or live with an illness which means you can't get outside, or you live somewhere and it's very cold. Whatever our circumstances, we can all still benefit from grounding practices - and these are just a few ways we can do so, indoors. Starting with a curious mind, and being inventive and open to what's available to us, wherever we might be. Grounding practices are beautifully supportive to feel centered and balanced within, and also to feel connected to the earth. And there are some ways we can do this, without standing outside on grass or sand on the beach - it is possible to feel the benefits with some simple and powerful practices indoors.
Drinking water (filtered if possible)- staying hydrated is a foundational grounding practice. Water gives life to our cells and supports our whole bodies to thrive. It's an element of nature that we need to energise us, and to keep our whole system alive. Breathwork practices - these are so supportive and powerful for feeling into our bodies, tuning into just how connected our minds and bodies are, feeling into the energy that flows from the earth through our feet and into our whole beings, allowing our breath to notice sensations, and to gently deepen our awareness with each inhale and exhale. We might do this sitting down, or standing and bringing gentle movement to this practice too, if that's possible for you. Try doing a simple breathwork practice two or three times during the day. Standing strong like a tree - I love this practice as it's so simple and powerful. Standing with our feet firmly on the ground, imagining the energy and life force that flows up through our feet and again, into our whole beings, imaging the energy as roots of a tree, supporting us, strengthening us, nurturing us. Taking breaths in and out as we feel the vibration and connection within ourselves and the earth below. Visualising the earth - I was taught this practice when I studied to become a mindfulness meditation teacher, and I love it. Sitting in a comfortable place, bringing gentle awareness to our breath and our bodies, tuning into our hearts, and feeling the vibration and energy of the earth and our planet and the vast universe we are part of. I've often practiced this exercise at night, watching the stars in the sky, and imagining a colour that brings warmth to my heart and feels like a thread connecting me to something greater. Visualising a colour, or perhaps it's a beam of light that pours through your heart and up to the sky, and down through your body, to the earth below. Visaualistions can be so powerful - grounding, connecting, but also they can bring us joy - it can be a really beautiful practice to visualise a healthy planet, a collective healing energy where we are in communion with the earth and we feel just how connected we are, how our own actions make a difference, the impact we have. And I also love to visualise beautiful places in my mind and feel into the knowing of being there, feeling these images come to life. This may feel a little 'woo woo' to you - but I really believe that by focussing our minds and hearts on uplifting intentions, brings this reality to life. Mindfulness techniques with everyday things - like, holding a mug of tea and noticing the sensation of warmth, taking slow sips, lingering in the delight of each sip, and bringing yourself to just this present moment, to center and ground yourself. We can do simple mindfulness practices with many every day things, and this can be so supportive for our mental health, with stress or anxiety, and depression too. Sitting in the sunlight coming through the window - this may not be possible, but if it is, capture the light. Feel the sensation of warmth on your face. Feel how it energises you, and let yourself simply be in the glow of this warmth and how healing this feels. Eating fresh food - especially root vegetables if we can, organic wherever possible. Food is medicine and having freshly cooked vegetables and fruit, energises our whole bodies, and connects us with source. It's a beautiful practice to thank the earth for our food before we eat, bringing mindfulness and gratitude to mother nature, and really honouring this blessed connection. Gentle movement - even if we can't exercise, or be outside. Dancing to music and feeling the energy flowing through you. Chair dancing if this is something most manageable for you. Just taking steps and walking around the space you're in, to shift your energy, to feel each foot on the ground. And if you can go outside, but it's too cold to stand barefoot, or there's no grass or sand beneath your feet - just simply be where you are, and close your eyes, and just gently sway from side to side, and take in breaths of air. Water is healing and cleansing - for some, a warm shower might feel soothing. For others, cold showers can feel energising. Or perhaps a warm bath and just feeling the sensation of being in the water, the soothing warmth over your skin, feeling cleansed and even doing a meditation or visualisation of letting go of unwanted energy and feeling renewed as water washes over your body. These are just a few ideas that might support you to feel grounded, centered within yourself and connected to this earth - even if we can't be outside, or in nature - we can still feel the benefits of grounding, and how this supports our nervous system, and our whole wellbeing. I've practiced these myself when I've been in self isolation, and also through times of illness where I couldn't be outside, and even on days where it's raining and too cold - being curious with what it is that supports me, nurtures me, nourishes me, in ways I feel connected with the earth. And in times of stress or anxiety, just simply sitting with my feet on the floor, bringing my awareness to this, feeling the energy flowing up from the ground through my body, just shifts something, and changes so much. Start by being curious with what's available to you, wherever you, however you feel - as curiosity and willingness always supports us to feel grounded, connected and calm. If you would like support with any of these practices, or perhaps you're going into self isolation or quarantine through covid and you want some support through that time - do reach out and book a support session with me, so you can feel truly prepared and confident in ways to support yourself through this time. And if you live with a health condition that limits mobility and time outside - I would love to always support you in all the ways I can. Book a session with me here. Sending you ease and calm, and all my support, With love x Katie PS. If you would like to experience a beautiful and supportive meditation to help bring ease and calm - you can receive this 'Soothing Calm' meditation, here.
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AuthorKatie Jane is a Holistic Therapist, Life Coach, Health Coach, Nutritionist, Naturopath, Meditation teacher, writer and author. Katie has been working in the wellness industry for over 15 years, in private practice and online, and brings all of these qualifications and skills, along with her own lived experiences through challenges, changes and transitions. Her approach to life and wellbeing is truly holistic and unique for each individual. She supports and coaches clients to make powerful changes, to feel calm through uncertainty and change, to embrace self care as a way of being, and to thrive through life transitions. |