“Man takes root at his feet, and at best he is no more than a potted plant in his house or carriage till he has established communication with the soil by the loving and magnetic touch of his soles to it.”
~ John Burroughs
Most of us live in environments that are positive-charge rich. Some of the greatest contributors of microscopic positively-charged particles are electrical items, computers, wi-fi, cell phones and hand-held devices. We literally live in a ‘soup’ of positive ions and protons.
And that’s an issue.
Why? Positively-charged particles generate free radicals and create oxidization and inflammation within the body. Inflammation is in turn responsible for many chronic illnesses, body pain and inability to heal, and has also been linked to depression and mood disorders.
This situation is further exacerbated by our busy lifestyles. Poor diet, lack of exercise, dehydration, stress, illness and lack of sleep add to our cumulative inflammation.
Fortunately, there is something simple that can help us all.
The earth’s surface maintains a negative electrical charge, via the sun’s continual donation of negatively charged electrons, and through lightning strikes.
When we stand barefoot upon the ground the earth donates negative electrons to our bodies and our electrical fields. This returns our bodies and cells to a negative charge, earthing us and reducing our inflammation. The earth becomes a powerful, natural anti-oxidant treatment.
Negative electrons boost our immune function. They help regulate our sleep and hormones, reduce inflammation, uplift our mood, and normalise our body’s response to stress.
Standing barefoot upon the earth was once something that all of us did. These days though, when we live in houses, drive cars, wear shoes with synthetic soles and spend little time outdoors, we’ve lost this natural boost to our wellbeing.
Yesterday, after a week in bed, and still feeling frazzled and in pain, I went and lay down on the grass out in the paddock. I was stiff and sore. It took a while to get myself down onto the ground. Once there, I turned my fingers down into the earth. I rested my head and spine against the ground. My bare feet anchored themselves.
Minute by minute, things changed. I felt myself deeply relax. My breathing slowed. All tension drained away. After twenty minutes I stretched and stood up. My body was pain-free. My heart was calm. I felt peaceful and restored.
I enjoy living in this modern world. But I was made from the components of nature, not technology, and the earth is what restores me.
Earthing ourselves supports our body’s best function. It’s easy to do, and it’s free.
How long is it since you’ve been outside and actually connected with the earth? Maybe it’s time!
“There is a road in the hearts of all of us, hidden and seldom traveled, which leads to an unknown, secret place. The old people came literally to love the soil, and they sat or reclined on the ground with a feeling of being close to a mothering power. Their teepees were built upon the earth and their altars were made of earth. The soul was soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing. That is why the old Indian still sits upon the earth instead of propping himself up and away from its life giving forces. For him, to sit or lie upon the ground is to be able to think more deeply and to feel more keenly. He can see more clearly into the mysteries of life and come closer in kinship to other lives about him.”
~ Luther Standing Bear
Do you think there might be any potential negative side-effects of earthing? Some people talk about “dirty electricity”. Do you think that has any merit?
So true. I always feel so much lighter, happier, healthier and free after walking barefoot outside with my children. 🙏 love and light
Love that you do this with your kids!
Thank you so much for this Nicole xo
You’re so very welcome. Be well xx
Before I moved and bought this house, my daughter and I would take a weekend day and go to the park and take off our shoes and walk all through it. We received a lot of strange looks. I haven’t done that but do get to dig in the dirt and sit in it quite a bit. That’s where I find my peace. I heard a lot about earthing. There is a fellow in Alaska who believes that you get better by actually covering yourself in earth. They had a whole documentary on it. I wish I had been able to save it. I’m glad it helped you to feel better. I’m outside now everyday as long as possible. Thanks for the reminder.
To this Australian the idea of covering yourself in dirt in Alaska sounds FREEZING! Still, I think he might be onto something. Hugs and love to you xx
On numerous occasions I have left you messages and have never heard back from you. I have been a follower for quite a while now and I feel a great connection with you even though we are a world apart. I look forward to your post each and every day and I feel a great spiritual contact with you. I publish a rural magazine in Alberta, Canada and on numerous occasions have used your inspiration for articles and quotes. I always use your name and website.
I think you have changed my life and thinking and I wish someday to come to Australia because I would love to give you a hug and feel the strength of the wonderful person I know you are.
May something wonderful happen for you today!!!
Kathryn, Hi! Sorry if I’ve been hard to catch. You can always reach me via info@nicolecody.com and facebook’s usually a good one too.
I’m thrilled to hear that I’ve somehow made a positive difference in your life. That’s the something wonderful that happened to me today. Feel free to come to Australia and claim that hug anytime. Much love, Nicole xx
This is one of the best posts I’ve read from any one in a long time. Thanks
Great (and grounding) post. I so believe this beneficial and tell my friends/clients all the time. They all come back and say they “felt better.” For those who don’t have much grass, I say barefoot on concrete works just as well as long as it’s ground level. Great message.
I was told the same thing in meditation this morning. Was reminded of how I used to lie on the grass as child and look at the clouds. Plenty of those around today !! Lovely to have to you back and getting back to your normal self. Have a beautiful weekend xxx
Thank you Nicole for the ability to put into words, what I have ‘known’ to feel true to me. I am lucky to live in northern Saskatchewan, Canada….”in the middle of nowhere” and walk with my animal companion, Duke, in the woods and pastures. We walk and talk with the trees and the birds and bees everyday. it is the best part of my day, ‘unplugging’ and re-connecting to our Great Mother. Thank you for sharing your journey. Sending you healing thoughts of love and gratitude!
Awesome advice again Nicole! I’m eagerly waiting for the day I wave goodbye to this concrete jungle! And in my bare feet too I might add! lol! Glad to read you’re feeling peace and restored once again! 🙂