Mindful Moment #40 - Get Down to Earth!

Down to Earth

When I hear someone described as “down to earth,” I think about someone who is real, open, relaxed, welcoming, easy going, probably extroverted, and usually funny. Affable, approachable, relatable, and trustworthy. Not to say that “down to earth” people don’t have bad days or can’t also be introverted, of course. But it does feel like a quality I’d associate with a person who is well-grounded.

Someone called me down to earth not too long ago, and I gave them a “who me?” kind of look, because while I may embody some of those traits I’ve listed above, I am so not relaxed, extroverted, or easy going. I wish I was, but I am a head-in-the-clouds dreamer who suffers from social anxiety and a bad case of being so awkward that I sometimes kick into a “flight” response that cannot be easily unswitched. I used to book a tiny meeting room in my old office building to escape all the people in cubicle land when I just couldn’t recover from a bad case of ungroundedness. My down to earth co-workers were just a-okay with rolling through whole weeks of back-to-back, face-to-face meetings with no apparent running away required. I was envious.

I am also drawn to that down to earth quality in a partner. It’s nice to have someone who can be a safe space while also being the more socially adept one. I am less likely to become a flight risk when he is there. His groundedness makes me also feel grounded, while also being a sturdy base for all of those dreams that keep me floating. I like to think that I give him a whimsical perspective on things. I am also able to think creatively and problem solve with a kind of dedication and tenacity that he just doesn’t have.

But is it fair to rely on a partner for groundedness? No, probably not. And honestly, pursuing my own groundedness and connection to the greater world is its own reward, even if I am not transformed into a “down to earth” person. Also, my partner’s not always around—I need to be able to handle all of those complicated emotions like an adult.

In considering how to go about getting more grounded physically and emotionally, there are some easy things you can do.

First and easiest, in my opinion, is “earthing.” Earthing is simple. All you need to do is connect to the earth directly with your body. Most people stand or walk barefooted on the ground. You can also go swimming or wading in a natural body of water. If it is too cold where you are, touching a tree trunk, boulder, park bench, or the ground with your hands can accomplish the same effects. By touching the earth, you are neutralizing the positive electrical charge in your body with the negative charge in the earth. There are many health benefits to earthing, but one of them is connecting to the earth with intention to literally ground your body. It’s relaxing and reportedly anti-inflammatory. I always feel my base level anxiety and worry melt away after a few minutes, personally.

Sometimes you might need a mental grounding exercise. There are lots of practices out there, but an easy one is the 5-4-3-2-1 Method. This is a technique in which you shift your focus to your senses. When you do this, identify five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can touch, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Resetting your attention to your senses quiets the brain, and disrupts any whirling thoughts that might be keeping you disconnected. Choosing some of your favorite things for this exercise can also add a bit of comfort while you decompress. Pet your dog. Have a cup of tea. Go put on your favorite fragrance or light your favorite candle. Take a minute to gaze at the sky. If you have a fidget toy, fidget with it. My most favorite toy for this exercise is a yo-yo.

Of course, the most intense means of getting grounded is to focus on the root chakra while you meditate. The root chakra is located at the base of the spine. When it is functioning properly, you feel safe, secure, and connected. It is associated with the color red, and so wearing red, eating red foods, and envisioning red light around you will all help heal the root chakra. If you can listen to a sound bath or recording featuring a 396hz frequency, it will assist in grounding your root chakra. While you are meditating, consider the following affirmations:

I am safe.

I am whole.

I release all fears.

I am grounded.

I am at home in my body.

I am one with the earth.

I am complete.

Perhaps with practice, we’ll all be “down to earth” folks who are masters of affability. If nothing else, I hope you find relaxation and peace in taking a break for yourself.
As ever, my friends,
Namaste.

Amy

INSPIRATIONS THIS WEEK

We’re feeling inspired by these incredible and thought provoking pieces:

Acting Out Dreams Predicts Parkinson’s and Other Brain DiseasesEnacted dreams could be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease.
Scientists Controlled Lightning With Lasers Aimed at the Sky In BreakthroughLasers shot from a Swiss mountain successfully diverted lightning bots, paving the way toward better protection from dangerous strikes.
Deep Meditation May Alter Gut Microbes for Better HealthRegularly practicing meditation helps regulate the gut microbiome and has the potential to lower anxiety, depression, and heart disease, a new study reports.

That’s all for today, y’all – remember, taking time to focus on you is an act of love.

We hope you found this helpful – don’t hesitate to reply with any feedback on how we can improve future Mindful Moments! We can’t wait to hear from you.