Reconnecting with the art of Earthing
Are you seeking an easy, grounding practice that helps release stress and boost your vitality? Learn “Earthing”, it’s a concept as old as time, practiced as a norm in several rural Indian cultures. Similar to the feeling of walking barefoot on dew-covered grass on a cool and crisp early morning, Earthing reconnects us to the energy of the earth and brings about a sense of tranquillity.
What is Earthing?
Earthing is the process of allowing areas of your skin to make direct contact with natural ground surfaces, such as soil, grass, rock or sand. In India, walking barefoot is something many people do every single day; be it stepping out onto the cool, smooth floor of a courtyard at sunrise or meandering through a garden barefoot. In this simple way, we reconnect with the Earth’s natural electrical charge and our mind and body can balance and heal itself.
When your bare feet or skin comes into contact with the earth, free electrons are taken up into the body. These electrons have been referred to as nature’s biggest antioxidants and help neutralise damaging excess free radicals that can lead to inflammation and disease in the body. Earthing allows us to reconnect with the earth and strengthen the relationship between our bodies and the electrons around us.
There are many benefits to be gained by simply walking barefoot along the ground! Who knew? Earthing can improve our wellbeing in a number of ways, including:
- Reduces stress: This practice helps reduce your stress hormones and calms the mind, even if only for a few moments.
- Increased vitality: Just as a cold, fresh juice on a hot afternoon can recharge your senses, being in direct contact with the ground can enhance your energy and vitality.
- Enhances sleep: Many people claim their sleep improved when they started to include Earthing in their daily routine.
- Encourages mindful movement: Walking barefoot inherently makes you slower. You’re more conscious of each step; plus you’re giving yourself a foot massage with every step you take!
At Hopewood, we embrace simple, natural ways to nurture our body and soul. Embracing the traditional practice of walking barefoot on grass, fits seamlessly into our vegetarian lifestyle, love of fresh air and relaxation mechanisms to combat the rigors of life.
There are lots of way to get your Earthing practise started.
- Go outside: Spend the first few minutes of the day barefoot in your garden, at a park nearby or on a beach.
- Pause and feel: Walk slowly, pay attention to what the ground feels like under your feet.
- Combine with yoga or meditation: For those who are used to doing yoga on the mat inside, you can try standing poses outside on the grass. You may even feel some extra sense of grounding!
- Stay safe: Choose clean surfaces free from sharp objects or harsh chemicals.
Earthing can be as simple as a short-and-sweet five-minute walk. When you remove your shoes and ground yourself on the Earth beneath your feet, you may notice your stress melting away; replaced with an invigorating sense of calm.
Why not bring this Indian-inspired tradition into your weekly practice?
