Now that spring has arrived and the grass is green, I feel like walking barefoot in the yard. I’m told that’s a good thing when it comes to finding mental peace. Touching the earth is a blessing that we don’t participate in enough.
Our trip reminded me of a Native American elder who spoke at a conference I went to years ago. He said the trouble with people nowadays is they never touched the ground. They walk, drive, and live on things that keep them from touching the dirt. He said people needed to walk around, feel the dirt under their feet and let spirit of Mother Earth heal them.
What he said is true. Touching the ground is invigorating. That may be why I love flower gardening so much and digging in the dirt. It’s probably why Hubby loves bicycling so much. The opportunity to touch the ground keeps him excited about it. Just don’t do like me and HIT the ground while biking. Hikers love being outside, but in addition, they’re touching the earth as they walk. Walking on trails through trees, along ponds, and anywhere you’re off the sidewalk is reviving and restorative. Maybe the elder’s advice needs to be followed more often.
“Earthing” or “grounding” is a therapy that doesn’t get much attention. It involves spending time touching the ground. Claims are that it helps stress, anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular issues. The concept hasn’t been widely studied, but it seems a simple, non-invasive method of treating yourself to free therapy. It won’t hurt you and has few side effects.
When I think about the “spirit of Mother Earth” healing us, I wonder if the planet gives off vibrations that are undetected by people in general. We’re all passengers on this big rock that belches lava from the roiling magma under the core. It rumbles with earthquakes while we stand on tectonic plates that float on top of the underground ocean of magma. Meteors hit the earth, causing ripple effects along the surface. The ground under our feet is a dynamic thing, going 67,000 miles per hour around a star that spews cosmic rays at us. The Creation is an amazing and holy place.
So go outside and get off the sidewalk. Feel the earth under your feet. I hope it will make you feel better.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from darkness . . . Genesis 1:1-4