In my sessions, clients often ask me how to get more grounded. Many of them have regular practices like meditation, running, and nature walking but still feel ungrounded. They describe it many ways: feeling out of sorts, lost, floaty, disconnected from the body, an experience of being on auto-pilot, out of touch with oneself, anxious, and disconnected from others or nature.
I've come to believe that grounding takes awareness and intention. It requires that we be present and aware in the moment. We can do something healthy like running or hiking and be completely checked out, even disassociated from the body doing the work of activity.
For my client who runs most every day but said she felt out of sorts and ungrounded, I suggested she set an intention before each run, that with each footfall of contact she fully connects with herself and the earth. Even stretching and breathing before the run can be it's own moment of intention and mindful awareness, to ask, What needs to be released? What do I need renewed and reenergized now? And allow that release and renewal to take place with full deliberate attention.
Here is an easy, daily grounding exercise that can be used on its own or as a meditation starter.
Get into sitting posture, easy, balanced and erect with feet on the floor or ground (stand if you prefer). Uncross legs and arms. Fully feel yourself arrive. Note the sensations in your body. Take your time. Feel the sensation of contact with the chair, floor, anything around you. Bring yourself into the present moment and fully into your body with breath.
Imagine your feet sinking into dirt, into earth, extending downward with roots like that of a tree. See how far you can extend downward. Allow yourself to root into the core of the earth. Feel yourself anchored, safe, and resting in the stillness of the deep connection. Take your time. Allow the natural expansion that is yours.
I encourage you to experiment and see what works for you. I've been doing this practice for many years and it continues to surprise me and show me new things!
(Photo by Bruno Nascimento)