Grounding

To be grounded means to be able to be firmly down to earth and capable of taking care and successfully attending to our physical health, well-being, and survival needs. It also means to have an attitude of reverence, respect, and care for the world around us and a good understanding of ecology - nature.

So many of us in the modern day become so wrapped up in our lives, that we forget to pay attention to the little details that can truly enrich our daily experiences. Our attention is often occupied by events that happened last week, month or year, or even by worries of what will happen tomorrow, next Tuesday or even next month. We forget or may never realize that the greatest power we hold is in the moment.

One way to come back to the present is to ground oneself. Grounding is, in effect, being completely in your body (aware of physical sensations), and being present mentally and emotionally. Aside from the health benefits grounding provides (such as stress relief), you'll feel lighter and more in control of your environment. There are numerous ways to ground - the important thing is to find a method that truly works for you.

For example:

• Taking a 10 minute (power) nap
• Walking and/or sitting in nature
• Sitting still or lying down and practicing relaxation breathing
• Physical exercise
• Giving and/or receiving massage
• Healthy forms of relaxation that are easy on the mind

Meditation Visualization

You may do this excercise standing or sitting on a chair with your feet flat on the floor.

Begin by doing ten minutes of deep relaxation breathing

Bring your attention to the soles of your feet as you imagine roots growing out from them and extending slowly through the floor and into the earth. Watch them move deeper and deeper into the earth until they hit the magnetic core center.

Allow your body to feel the effects of gravity as it gets heavier and pulls you down, draining any tension, stress, negative emotions and energies out of your system. Let them sink into the earth through your roots and continue to breathe deeply. Instead of forcing your breath, allow your breath to breathe you.

Now that you are completely relaxed, slowly imagine a ball of healing earth energy gathering at the end of your roots, and see it moving through your roots towards your feet. Allow as much time as you need in order to visualize this ball of energy reaching the soles of your feet. Feel it traveling up through your limbs and into your abdomen and let it pause there for a moment.

Take some time to get used to this energy and observe its physical, emotional and mental effects on you. Explore the texture of this energy, and the colors that may accompany it. Immerse yourself in this feeling, and when you're ready, visualize this ball of energy expanding slowly until you are completely enveloped by it, like a bubble.

Let this ball continue to grow until it reaches about three to four feet from your physical body. Soak in the healing energies and know that you are safe and in control of your environment. You may stay in this state for as long as you need.

When you're ready, slowly wiggle your toes; rock your feet side to side, back and forth gently, until you can easily lift your feet up. Imagine those roots you just planted into the earth gently dislodging from your feet. Gently bring the rest of your body back to the present by wiggling and stretching them.