Flow: Get Grounded

Let's get something out of the way, there will be nothing esoteric about the post today.

When I discuss grounding the body, I am talking about stabilizing your sense of how you move in space. In essence, I am talking about proprioception -- How we give the brain the information it needs to give us resources.

Consider gravity. Gravity is working all the time on your body. The musculature of your body resists it, even your blood is a dance with gravity. Your brain keeps the equilibrium of this dance as you move through the world. When we get it right, we feel in balance, centered, grounded. But beyond being about the sensation of wellness, it is about actually balancing the electrical currents your brain uses to run the functions of your body.

Finding Gravity

On offer today is an exercise in grounding.

If you are able, stand up in your bare feet near a wall or chair for stability. Spread your toes and lift them off the ground. If they can't lift even a little (and you don't have a medical reason for that to be so), then your weight is on the front of your feet. Slowly lean your whole body forward and back, paying attention to how the weight feels on your feet. Try to lift your toes again.

Take a few slow steps, letting your heel come down first, then slowly allowing the rest of the foot to follow. Stop and check whether your toes can lift again. Here, let yourself roll down into a forward bend, releasing your arms and the back of your neck. Letting your knees remain bent. Allowing your body to gently rock in all directions.

Finally, slowly roll up, taking a moment to notice your feet. Take a few steps, rolling from heel to toe, and observe your breathing as you notice the connection between your feet and the floor.

You can ground yourself from a seated or prone position as well but if you are able to do this standing, I highly encourage it.