Grounded and Grateful
“When the roots are deep, there’s no reason to fear the wind.” - Chinese proverb
You may have heard yoga or meditation teachers refer to grounding and wonder what it is and why do it.
I used to think grounding is simply a step you take when you meditate. I’ve since come to appreciate the broader benefits of regularly incorporating grounding in my life, not just during meditation but also during the rest of the day. With practice, and over time, I’ve developed a deeper awareness that helps me recognize when I need to consciously ground myself.
Now I’m learning to notice the signs. I try to take time to ground myself to help me manage my emotions, regain focus, and reduce stress as it comes up. When I remember to do that, it helps me steady myself and respond to the situation in a mindful, more effective, and compassionate way towards others and myself.
What is grounding?
Grounding can be described as a practice or technique that helps us connect to the present moment by focusing our attention on physical sensations, surroundings, or mental imagery. It involves shifting your focus away from overwhelming thoughts, emotions, or memories and redirecting it to the here and now.
In my experience, there is also an energetic aspect to grounding.
The essence of grounding is feeling so solid and rooted in yourself that you don’t have to resist anything. When you are “grounded” you can face challenges and uncertainty more calmly, embrace change with more confidence, and navigate the natural ups and downs of life from a place of inner peace and stability.
How does it work?
When we ground electrical systems, we connect a grounding wire to the ground. This creates a safe path for excess electrical current to be discharged into the earth which can absorb and neutralize the charge. Grounding prevents electrical shocks, protects appliances from surges, and ensures stability in the electrical system.
In personal grounding we consciously connect ourselves to the present moment and our physical surroundings. This helps transfer the excess emotional or mental “charge” we are experiencing into the earth to provide a sense of calm and stability. Grounding techniques can help us manage stress, reduce anxiety, and maintain balance.
Whether it’s electrical charge or emotional stress, grounding serves to neutralize excess energy by providing a connection to a stable and vast reservoir (the earth) that can absorb and transmute this energy.
Why ground yourself?
Grounding techniques can
Foster a sense of stability and safety – this can alleviate feelings of anxiety, stress, or disconnection
Help you avoid getting swept away by overwhelming feelings and instead respond to the situation at hand with greater mindfulness and equanimity
Deepen your meditation experience and cultivate a greater sense of awareness and presence
When we are grounded, we are better resourced. When I take time to ground myself, I have more capacity to respond to a given situation more mindfully and can deal with things more skillfully.
When to ground yourself
As I’ve learned through my own experience, grounding is not limited to meditation. You can use grounding techniques on your own anywhere and anytime you feel you need them.
I like to use them when I notice I am feeling scattered, easily distracted, frustrated, fearful, overwhelmed, and to help me sleep.
Click here to try personal grounding techniques you can use for stability and calm.
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I want to be clear that I provide coaching services and meditation instruction to support personal growth and development. I am not a medical or mental health professional or therapist and do not offer medical advice, psychological counseling, or therapeutic services. This post is for informational purposes only, is not medical or health advice, and does not replace the advice of a licensed medical or mental health professional, or other healthcare provider.
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