Something simple but profound happened when I decided to walk barefoot on a rock. I’ve heard that the rubber-soled shoes that most people wear today absorb energy that comes naturally out of the ground. So I kicked off my sneakers and socks, took a few steps, and was surprised to feel a current of warm, tingling energy running under my feet, coming from plain, ordinary rock that had looked boring before. Our planet is alive, just like me, I thought. Feeling connected to the Earth is a powerful way for all of us to strengthen our personal well-being and motivate ourselves to care for the environment that is essential to global well-being.
That moment in Sedona, Arizona showed me something of which I hadn’t realized before, despite being a long-time environmentalist and nature lover. Just like in a friendship with another human being, there is always something new to discover and enjoy in our relationship with the Earth. The more connected we are, the more energy we have, which strengthens our ability to live well. Here are 5 ways to tap into the Earth’s energy on a regular basis:
1. Get some sun. There’s a reason we crave sunny days: spending time in the sunshine is naturally good for us. Although it is advisable to use sunscreen to protect our skin from damage caused by excessive time in the sun’s ultraviolet light, we should not avoid sunlight. Spending 5-15 minutes a day in the sun is enough to enjoy many health benefits from the sun, including: improved mood, stronger brain function, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles, less inflammation and increased prevention of heart disease and some types. Of cancer. Many of these benefits come from the vitamin D that sunlight causes our bodies to produce.
2. Walk barefoot. Take off your shoes and socks, like I did, to experience the electromagnetic energy emitted by the ground. Spend some time practicing mindfulness while walking barefoot outdoors on a natural area like grass, sand, or a rock (rather than an artificial surface like a sidewalk or patio). That will focus your attention completely on your experience. One especially powerful way to do this is through centering prayer, a form of mindful meditation that can enhance your awareness of God’s constant presence with you. As you connect to the energy of the Earth, you can ask the Creator who set that energy in motion to send you realistic guidance for the decisions you are facing. Grounding has been linked to health benefits such as less inflammation and a stronger immune system. As you ground yourself into the energy of our planet, you may find stability to help you deal with any stress and change you are currently facing.
3. Breathe the forest air. Spend time in the forest whenever you can. Research shows that breathing the air around trees has powerful healing benefits for people, from calming the mind to fighting cancer and heart disease. Just a few minutes of “forest bathing” (which can be as simple as sitting outside among the trees in your own backyard or walking through the woods at a local park) can significantly increase your well-being. Feel free to hug trees too: literally hugging a tree can powerfully connect you to its energy that is grounded in the Earth.
4. Watch for wildlife. Paying attention to the wildlife around you reminds you that humans share this home with many other creatures, and we are all connected through nature. From birds and squirrels to less common animals, wildlife can spark a sense of wonder in you, while enhancing well-being by relieving stress. A recent study found that the well-being benefits of observing wildlife are so powerful that we can experience them even when we are not outside, simply by watching videos of wildlife in action.
5. Bring flowers and plants inside to enjoy. Regularly place fresh flowers and potted plants around your home and office to experience a connection to the outdoors while spending time indoors. Their beauty will inspire you, and houseplants can also offer health benefits, including purifying the air you breathe, boosting your mood, and even boosting your creativity and productivity. Surrounding yourself with plants will energize you by reminding you how connected you are to the natural world, even when you’re indoors.
Our planet is alive, just like we are. The more we connect with the Earth’s energy, the more we can experience the wellness benefits that are naturally there for us whenever we need them!
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