“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
