We commonly hear people suggest for us to “Ground Ourselves!” While we may understand that this idea of grounding ourselves means to find balance, how do we actually go about the act of “grounding?”
In our human nature; we constantly seek to find this balance of Mind, Body, and Spirit. Through my own self-healing journeys, I have discovered many useful tools to be placed on my “spiritual tool belt”. An important one of these is the ability to ground self.
My favorite go-to for grounding is to be in nature. Go hug a tree! Yes, I did just say that. But seriously… why not? Trees are beautiful masters of rooting themselves. Or maybe simply sit down with legs uncrossed and bring your feet flat to the earth. Shoes off, yes! Even better!
Another grounded master we can call on is a rock. I call these ancient ones of the earth Grandmothers or Grandfathers. They are the story tellers of Earth’s history. If you are like me, then you may even have a few crystals in your pocket right now. Even since a child I have treasured rock collecting. My husband says “if our house was a boat, we would sink!” What can I say? I get it from my mother. She is a “rock woman” too!
In yoga, there are many grounding Asana’s (poses) which will help to balance the chakras. Malasana Pose is one of my favorites for grounding. Malasana is a deep squat that brings you in a close-to-the-earth stance. It can be easily modified if needed by sitting on a yoga block, yoga ball or even a stool.
Before we begin, make sure your favorite essential oil is placed within reach! Some of my favorite oils for grounding are Cedarwood, Vetiver and Idaho Balsam Fir.
Now, start by standing with your legs a little wider than your hips. Turn your feet comfortably out to the side. Begin to rock to and fro on the balls and heels of your feet, as if your feet were a rocking chair. Then begin to slowly bend your knees as you rock yourself into a lower squat. Allow your tailbone to aim towards the floor and the heels of your feet move towards the earth. If your heels are lifted off the ground, try and move your stance a bit wider. You may also roll the back of your yoga mat or place a thin towel under your heels until this pose becomes a little more comfortable. Now reach for your essential oil, allow 1-3 drops to fall into the palm of your hands. Place hands together, rotate in a clockwise motion and bring your hands in a scent tent around your nose, but without touching your face. If you wish, bring your hands to your heart in Anjali Mudra also known as prayer pose or Namaste. As the palms of your hands press together, take a quiet moment to be in gratitude. Set your intention for earthing your energies and as you feel this grounded awareness, let it rise up from mother earth through the energetic windows of your feet. Let your tailbone rest. Be here, breeeeathe, and feel the heart beat of the earth. After a few breaths, touch your hands to the earth, thank Ancient Mother for her unconditional love. Then once again begin to rock from heel to toe, back and forth like a duck waddles. Slowly straighten the legs to standing.
This empowering pose encourages grounding, may improve posture, help digestion, tone the legs, improve flexibility in the hips, and allow the lower back to release tension.
Shannon Chada is a Holistic Spiritual Practitioner of Full Circle Harmony, Essential Oil Educator, Reiki Master Teacher/Crystal healer of 15+ years and Certified Yoga Instructor since 2006.
Shannon Chada in Mālāsana at Blue Mound State Park, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of Ryan Chada.
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