“Touch your soles with the soul of this Earth and feel her magic”
– Anonymous
Many of us spend the majority of our time indoors, separated from the earth by layers of concrete, wood, and synthetic materials. This lifestyle leads to a ‘grounding deficiency.’ However, it is easily remedied by a grounding practice, but first we need to be able to identify when we are ungrounded. Below are five signs to look for.
You are ungrounded when:
Your mind is racing and can’t focus on what you need to do.
You are easily distracted and avoid tasks and looping thoughts.
You are tired yet wired at the same time.
You find it difficult to complete projects and you jump from one thing to another.
You feel restless and discontent with your surroundings, yourself, and the people around you.
If you are experiencing any of these signs you are not alone. Everyone becomes ungrounded at times. It is not a matter of if, but when.
How We Become Ungrounded?
As humans we are electrical beings. Our bodies have electrons. However, free radicals steal our electrons and disrupt our electrical system. Free radicals come from pollution, smoke, pesticides, fried food, and radiation. We spend hours bathing in electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from electronic devices, cell phones, and laptops causing us to be ungrounded.
What is Grounding?
Grounding focuses on realigning your electrical energy by touching the ground barefoot. The Earth’s surface carries electrons so when we make direct skin contact with it, electrons flow into our bodies and spreads throughout the tissues. The grounding process neutralizes free radicals. Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman discovered that, when grounded, our body becomes an extension of the Earth’s gigantic electric system and a “working agent that cancels, reduces, or pushes away electric fields from the body.”
Scientific Proven Benefits
The scientific research in “Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons” (Journal of Environmental and Public Health January 12, 2012, Page 1) showed that the anti-inflammatory effects of grounding through the transfer of electrons improved human health. Benefits included improved immune function, improved circulation, increased energy, better sleep, pain and stress relief, and faster workout recovery.
Ancient History
Grounding is not some “new age” fad. It’s found in Ayurvedic teachings from over 5,000 years ago. Traditional Chinese medicine, which is over 2,500 years old, practices earthing or grounding qi to balance and harmonize the body’s energy. “For the most part, Native Americans of the southern regions and the temperate regions of the north preferred to go barefoot, even in the snow.” – Encyclopedia.com
Grounding and Coherent Brainwaves
The electromagnetic field of the earth is 7.8 Hz which is also the same as the brainwave frequency of alpha-theta, which is known as the flow state. This allows us to function at optimum efficiency and coherence. These brainwaves are associated with insight, intuition, and inner peace. As a matter of fact, Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, was known for walking barefoot at school, work, and many of his meetings. He believed his most creative ideas arrived when walking barefoot. Considering how the world is forever changed by his contributions, he might have been onto something.
The Brain Waves of Healers
For a decade, Robert Beck researched the brain wave activity of healers from all cultures and religious backgrounds. He enumerates psychics, shamans, dowsers, Christian healers, seers, ESP readers, kahuna, Santeria, Wicca practitioners, and others. Independent of their belief systems, each exhibited ‘nearly identical EEG signatures’ during their ‘healing’ moments. The 7.8-8Hz alpha-theta brainwaves lasted from one to several seconds and synchronized with the earth’s geoelectric micropulsations. – Lian Sidorov
My Story
As a child, I was happiest during summers and weekends when I played barefoot outside. When indoors for too long, I became either agitated or depressed. Years later, when I adopted a vegan lifestyle, family members called me a “hippie tree hugger.” I didn’t understand why people hugged trees. I lacked understanding and judged it as something only “weirdos” did. I swept it out of my mind. However, this topic continued to be brought to my attention.
For example, a nature-loving friend of mine told me a story of a grounding practice used when kids were misbehaving. Whenever children acted out with hyperactive and disruptive behavior, they were instructed to go outside, dig a hole, and fill it up with water. They were to sit with their feet in the muddy water for twenty minutes or so. This calmed them down and their behavior improved.
After performing massages on certain clients, I experienced dizziness and an “off” feeling. I asked my instructor why this was happening and what I needed to do about it. She asked me if I wore shoes while working. I did. She advised me to ground myself mentally and physically. It worked.
This subject arose yet again, years later when my daughter watched Earthing and Grounding. She told me the films were fascinating, but it wasn’t until I underwent healing CPTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) that I truly understood just how powerful grounding was.
Brain Waves For Healing Trauma and Mental Health
In order to heal traumatic memories, we need to be in alpha-theta brainwaves. In theta, memories can safely resurface. In alpha, the memories can be processed. The Earth’s pulse falls precisely where the alpha and theta brain waves meet. Grounding acts as a master entrainment signal that synchronizes the frequencies of the heart, brain, and emotions. This coherent state reverses hyperarousal patterns, so inner conflicts are resolved and well-being is re-established.
Grounding Demonstration
In his YouTube video “About grounding and why I don’t wear shoes anymore. We are electrical beings.” Adrian Kuiper demonstrates the difference in energy levels when grounded and ungrounded using a voltmeter. The device has two wires with pins at the end, one red, and one black. The black pin goes into the ground and he holds the red pin in his hand. Now, while wearing shoes, the voltmeter reads about 1 volt. However, when he takes off his shoes and stands barefoot, the voltmeter reading increases to 55-65 volts demonstrating a dramatic difference.
When to Ground
Ground after emotionally charged situations, at work, school, or in personal relationships. When you’re stressed and overwhelmed, it helps regain focus and composure and helps you feel more stable and present. Ground after using electronic devices because it creates electrical coherence in the brain and body. Ground after traveling because it helps readjust your body to overcome jet lag. Grounding is great before meditation because it enhances its effectiveness. It’s also excellent to do before sleep as it improves the quality of rest.
The Difference Between Grounding and Earthing
These are similar and yet different. Earthing is being connected via direct barefoot contact and grounding is being connected via grounding wires or products such as mats, shoes, and pads.
How to Ground
When you are outdoors walk barefoot on grass, soil, or sand. Swim in the ocean, soak in mineral hot springs, or play in a saltwater pool. When you are indoors, consider using grounding products such as mats, sheets, blankets, and grounding socks. You can even make your own grounding shoes. Go the extra mile, by creating an electronic-free bedroom. We spend many hours in our bedroom sleeping. It’s a great idea to reduce electrical interference from electric blankets and heaters, fluorescent lights, light dimmers, cell phones, computers, televisions, transformers, and Wi-Fi modems. If that doesn’t work for you, simply purchase an EMF bed canopy that is made from a fabric that shields against electromagnetic frequencies.
Understanding the power of grounding has deepened my love for the outdoors and provided me with the scientific answers to why I am happiest in nature. It’s an essential part of my life. I incorporate it into my work routine by spending five minutes outside on the earth between work sessions. This gentle recharge provides me with stamina, while caffeine just can’t compete.
Take Inspired Action
Perform a grounding practice for the next thirty days by spending twenty minutes outside enjoying the sun and fresh air. See if you notice your mind becoming clearer, feeling more peaceful, and grounded in life.
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Challenge yourself to research the topic and open your mind. I hope you enjoy these and find them as insightful as I have. If you have questions or want to go further and deeper, see the links below.
I just finished reading chapter three of “Educated” to my daughter, Mehgan. This story is sounding incredibly familiar. The author is talking about her father worried about the feds and it is sounding like my brother, who is currently in jail after committing multiple crimes. Prior to his arrest, he was diagnosed with bipolar illness and in a state of psychosis.
This has me in a deeply reflective state. I’ve been thinking about how my mother was diagnosed bipolar and had nervous breakdowns. Two other brothers have suffered as well. Now a third brother. I’m starting to wonder about myself. Am I mentally ill? Am I bipolar? I don’t even know what bipolar actually is. It’s time to research.
Researching now…
Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of intense energy and elation (mania) that may or may not be followed by severe depression. Bouts of sadness and hopelessness can become intense. It can feel as if you’re drowning in despair one moment, and then later on, you’re optimistic and full of energy. Hmm… it kinda sounds familiar, but kinda not.
Keep researching Lori.
There are eight symptoms in total. Four manic and four depressive.
Four Symptoms of a Bipolar Manic Episode
An increase in energy. I feel more awake and energized at certain times. I often wake up feeling an adrenaline rush and have to do meditation or gratitude or reading to calm me down so that I can focus.
Decreased need or desire for sleep. I’ve had this happen when I fast. Maybe I shouldn’t be fasting. Good thing I modified the fast that I am on.
Impulsive behavior. Does this mean spontaneous behavior? I’m confused. I’m not a reckless spender or reckless with my sexuality or criminal activity and I don’t think I’m doing any physical activity that is dangerous. I don’t drink. I stopped drinking yerba mate drinks. I stopped micro-dosing with cannabis even though that really has been helpful in putting me in a more loving state rather than tense.
Racing thoughts, heart rate in speech patterns. Oh, I have definitely had this especially when I first wake up in the morning it seems like my mind is going so fast that I literally have to focus on slowing it down so that I can actually move forward in a great productive way otherwise I just shut down. It’s overwhelming. Gratitude usually helps with this, same with meditation, same with reading, same with journaling.
Four Symptoms of a Bipolar Depressive Episode
Loss of interest in activities. Difficult to get out of bed in the morning, getting dressed, eating is difficult. Not working or caring for children.
Loss of energy/insomnia. An increased need for sleep with the decreased ability to sleep.
Feelings of worthlessness and guilt. Absolutely! I’ve got to pep talk myself out of it.
Extreme sadness, despair or overwhelm. I have felt all of the above but especially overwhelm.
Another article says that a manic episode looks like this….
high self-esteem
little need for sleep
increased rate of speech (talking fast)
flight of ideas
getting easily distracted
an increased interest in goals or activities
psychomotor agitation (pacing, hand wringing, etc.)
increased pursuit of activities with a high risk of danger
and a depressive episode looks like this….
changes in appetite or weight, sleep, or psychomotor activity
decreased energy
feelings of worthlessness or guilt
trouble thinking, concentrating or making decisions
thoughts of death or suicidal plans or attempts
Wait… bipolar includes moodiness? Shit! I am a woman. I get PMS. I definitely get moody and edgy. Running hot and cold is bipolar? WHAT?!? I am starting to wonder, maybe I am bipolar because sometimes I do feel depressed, unfocused, stuck, sad. And other times I feel on top of the world.
Hmm… extreme sad with intense highs? Yeah, I’ve had that. Oh no…. I think I might be bipolar.
Wait… frenetic vs productive energy? Hmm. I’m confused. I do have times when I experience healthy bursts of productivity fortunate episodes of inspiration.
Taking a deep sigh… this might explain a lot about why I don’t follow through on projects why I don’t stay consistent with my habits, stay in the same relationships, or stay with the same company. How can I go my whole life and not know this? I feel so ignorant.
Consequences and impact on life
Losing out on things that I enjoy, missing time with my family, struggling with my social life, struggling with work and school, struggling with healthy habits and maintaining a tidy home. I can see how this has affected my self-esteem, consistency, stability, growth in life, relationships, finances, health, home environment, and energy. I definitely at times distrust myself, and others and have PTSD from childhood trauma. I literally need to journal and meditate to get through it. If I can’t get into a peaceful loving state, then I micro dose with cannabis, not to get stoned or high, but just enough to where my mind stops racing and I can actually get back into the present moment. I am not interested in getting high. I just want to be in an elevated emotional state and most times a very small amount of cannabis has helped me when I can’t seem to get there on my own.
Back to research…
I found an online quiz. The results say I scored mild bipolar or cyclothymic disorder. What is that?
Cyclothymic disorder involves changes in mood and shifts similar to bipolar I and II, but the shifts are often less dramatic in nature. A person with cyclothymic disorder can often function normally without medication, though it may be hard. Cyclothymia is characterized by fluctuating low-level depressive symptoms along with periods of mild mania (hypomania). People with the disease often appear to function normally, although they may seem “moody” or “difficult” to others. People will often not seek treatment because the mood swings do not seem severe. People with cyclothymia may occasionally even be hyper-productive.
People with cyclothymia usually experience many weeks of low-level depression followed by an episode of mild mania that lasts several days.
Depressive symptoms of cyclothymia may include:
irritability
aggressiveness
insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
changes in appetite
weight loss or gain
fatigue or low energy
low sexual desire and function
feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or guilt
inattentiveness, lack of concentration, or forgetfulness
unexplained physical symptoms
The manic symptoms of cyclothymia may include:
extremely high self-esteem
excessive talking or speaking very quickly, sometimes so fast others have trouble following what the person is saying
racing thoughts (muddled and disorganized)
lack of focus
restlessness and hyperactivity
increased anxiety
going for days with little or no sleep (without feeling tired)
argumentative
hypersexuality
reckless or impulsive behavior
Some of this sounds familiar. I think it’s time to bring this up to my next session with my cognitive behavioral therapist. Maybe she can help me get clear on what is going on with my mental health. I’ll see if she will test me for bipolar and cyclothymia.
In the meantime, I have some good news. I saw that a major component to treating mental illness is lifestyle intervention. Specifically implementing habits such as counseling, stress management, not smoking or drinking, good nutrition, plenty of physical activity, sunshine, fresh air, inspiration, and beliefs. As a holistic health practitioner, I can only imagine where I’d be in my life if had I not done all of these over the past 20 years. I had no idea that my profession was literally me saving myself from going down the same path that my family has, but it looks like there is more to go.
I am going to make sure I take my B vitamins, magnesium, and CBD oil. I’ll also get a natural supplement for mood stability and I am going to start tracking my moods as well.
My New Years Goals for 2021 are to HEAL. More specifically I am focusing on
Fulfilling my needs – start paying attention to what I actually need in the present moment and check-in throughout the day
Create stability and consistency in moods and habits with health, wealth, relationships
Alright… looks like I’m on quite the journey to mental wellness. More to come next week. I’ll let you know what happens next after working with my therapist.
If you are running through life feeling overwhelmed and not really making the impact you know you want, or wishing you felt alive and filled with passion then you are going to LOVE me!
