Simple Grounding Practices to Celebrate Earth Day

On Earth Day, we’re reminded to care for the planet. But what if we also allowed the planet to care for us?

One of the simplest ways I know to reconnect – with nature and with myself – is through grounding.

You may hear the terms grounding and earthing used interchangeably. Some people define earthing as the physical contact between skin and the earth that allows the transfer of negative ions. While grounding refers to the calm, centered state that follows. I’m not a scientist and have only a surface-level understanding of atoms and ions, so I focus less on the technical explanation and more on how it feels.

When I’m grounded, I feel more settled in my body. My thoughts slow down; my solar plexus feels lighter; my breathing slows down. I enjoy an overall sense of calm.

One of my favorite grounding practices is to walk barefoot on the soil. I even have a favorite place where the dirt is a fine silt and feels silky on my bare feet. I truly love it when I get the opportunity to visit that place.

Unfortunately, it’s not always practical to walk around without shoes. So my second favorite way to ground is to literally hug a tree. I enjoy the sensation of wrapping my arms as wide as they’ll go and pressing my cheek into the bark. Letting go of what feels heavy and breathing deeply with gratitude.

Other ways to ground include digging your hands into the earth like when you’re gardening; walking barefoot on a beach; sitting intentionally in the grass. Remember, the point is to reduce the amount of man-made material between your skin and nature. But it doesn’t require a full-body press: sometimes just taking a moment to press the palms of your hands against the bark of the tree can achieve the needed release.

As with so many spiritual practices, it’s important to come to this moment with intention and reverence. Be present. Release your worries. And breathe.

Feel Like Sharing? What is your favorite grounding practice?