Grounding as a basic need
“To be grounded is to be connected to our emotional-electrical currents, to the waves of our needs and images, and the rhythms of actions which comprise our physical-psychic processes, the rhythms of the human and natural world.”
- Stanley Keleman
Restless with racing thoughts. You’re overwhelmed and don’t know what to do with yourself anymore. We’ve all been there. It’s usually a sign you have excess energy in the non-physical realm that needs removing. When you are lost in the physical dimension of thought you lose presence. These grounding practices are helpful in bringing you back to the physical realm.
NATURE
Nature is never in a rush and always maintains a tranquil energy. You absorb the energy you are around, and walking, sitting or laying on Earth’s surface can discharge the electrical stress in your body. You can always depend on nature to be calm and nourishing.
YOGA
Movement is grounding. It helps you bring awareness to parts of your body and direct the body to organise into shapes as one unit as you breathe rhythmically. As the body gains strength and learns its patterns, movements become more confident, aligned and stable.
You can feel safe and supported by the ground with fluid movements that carry intention on every breath. Weaving in grounding postures that are strong in the legs, ankles, feet and body centre (dantian) can strengthen a sense of connection to the ground. Experience this at YOGA AT MOSS.
BODY TEMPERATURE
In Eastern medicine, we regulate the body temperature to balance the warming energy of yang, with the cooling energy of yin. We can restore an overheated body with a cool drink or warm cold hands and feet with a hot water bottle to maintain homeostasis. Sometimes it helps to stand under a hot shower just to let the body relax into the environment.
ART THERAPY
Creative art practices can be used to manage anxiety and cultivate a state of calm. Activities that focus on some aspect of external reality can bring us back to the present moment.
For example, an activity where we describe our lived experience of a moment in our day with our five senses is a powerful practice that can help us narrow our focus and slow down to be in the here and now.
Find out more about Art Therapy.
Knowing how to ground yourself can give you the superpower to bounce back when you want to get back to feeling at ease. It gives you the choice to show up the way you want to.
