When was the last time you walked barefoot in the grass, on the beach, in the woods? Or when was the last time you cultivated the ground with your bare hands? Do you remember how it made you feel when your bare skin came into contact with the earth?
Did it bring a sense of wellbeing, balance, and contentment? Did you experience a subtle increase in energy, health, happiness?
As humans, our connection to the planet is undeniable. We have an innate sense of connection with the ground from which we were taken. After all, our bodies are composed of minerals.
Have you heard of the practice of “earthing”? The theory is that walking barefoot outside will “ground” us and make us healthier. Our bodies operate electrically and we live on a planet with a subtle electrical charge. The science behind the idea suggests that bare skin is conductive and when it comes into contact with the earth, free electrons are taken up into the body. The Earth’s energy helps the body to repair itself, become stabilized, normalize biological rhythms, lower stress, accelerate recovery, decrease pain, etc. The thought is that because of modern life humans have less direct physical contact with the Earth and are missing out on the benefits of exchanging electrons with the ground.
Whether or not there is anything to the handful of studies out there is to be determined. What I know is the way I feel when I’m in touch with the Earth. I feel centered, strong, happy; I feel at home. Thankfully, it’s easy to do and doesn't cost a thing.
The effect of grounding the human body on mood.
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