The Benefits of Grounding

Often while Teaching I say to my students, ‘ground yourself’ in a specific pose.  In Yoga we define grounding as connecting with the earth both physically and spiritually. Yoga poses such as downward facing dog are very grounding.  In DFD we begin on all fours, spreading  the fingers wide while the feet are pressing down connecting to the earth. Tree pose is another grounding pose. Your standing leg is rooted To the earth like a tree trunk. You engage your leg muscles and press all points of the foot downward connecting to the ground.  Imagine roots coming from your toes descending deep into the earth. You are physically and mentally connected to the earth’s energy. 

In yoga we talk about achieving spiritual grounding.  Spiritual grounding is being In the moment and feeling the earths energy enliven us to live fully without distractions of the mind such as fear, worry and stress. It is an important element of progressing your yoga practice to use the breath and grounding to focus the mind on the present moment and tame the monkey mind. The monkey mind is the endless stream of thoughts and emotions that pass through the mind like weather.

We are lucky in Yoga doing the poses with bare feet. We physically feel the ground under us and feel Mother Earth’s healing energy.  We know we are part of a collective system of life that is circular and co-reliant, feeling calm and safe despite the chaos and life challenges we face.  

Research like Dr Mercola and Clint Ober has shown the many health benefits of grounding.  Grounding replenishes the body with healthy energy, electrons, anti oxidants and reduces inflammation!. It is very healthy for adults, children and babies ( reduces colic). 

Ways to Ground Yourself

1) As often as you can walk with bare feet.  Feel the four corners of your feet on the ground whether it’s at home  or in the garden or on the beach. 

2) Practice Tree pose and visualise roots coming from your feet down into the earth. The deeper the roots the taller the tree creating length in your spine. 

3) Root chakra (Mula Bandha) exercises engaging pelvic muscles for an uplift energy.  

4) Breathe and be aware of your inhalation and exhalation. It will calm your body and mind stimulating your parasympathetic system to heal and repair. 

5) Practice yoga inside or outside with bare feet.

6) Play outside with bare feet.  Throw a frisbee, jump on a trampoline or just walk on the grass and feel your connection to the earth.   

          Namaste,
          Luma

        Luma