We live in a world that is constantly on the move. Our demanding day-to-day lives leave little room for us to return to our center and ground into our bodies. This fast-paced way of life and disconnection from the natural world can leave us ungrounded, resulting in disease, pain, and mental and emotional difficulties. Being ungrounded can also result in a racing mind, heightened anxiety, and lack of presence throughout our day.

Connecting with the Earth is a necessary part of our overall well-being and can assist in grounding our bodies and minds, which in turn eases these difficulties. In Ayurveda, the element of Earth helps to combat any excess air or space in our system, which can be the cause of feeling this way. Earthing is a powerful way to invite this sense of grounding and help offset the effects of a busy life. 

What is Earthing?

We are bioelectrical beings living on an electrical planet. Our bodies operate electrically, and all of your cells transmit multiple frequencies that run, for example, your heart, immune system, muscles, and nervous system. The shoes that we wear and surfaces that we walk on can block us from absorbing the frequencies of the Earth. Earthing is the practice of grounding by connecting with the Earth's healing energies. 

The Benefits of Earthing

Earthing can add value to our lives in a multitude of ways. The practice is not only relaxing but has real mind-body benefits that can positively affect our health. Some of the potential benefits of earthing include:

• Decreased stress
• Decreased inflammation
• Improved circulation
• Improved mental well-being     

Ways to Earth

There are different ways to Earth and gain the benefits of this practice. Earthing is done by walking barefoot against the Earth mindfully; however, there are ways to achieve similar benefits and feel grounded while indoors for those who don't have the time and space to practice traditional earthing but could use the grounding. 

Barefoot Walks

• Find an open space area where you can walk against the Earth, with no concrete or pavement. It could be a field, the beach, your yard, or a hiking path. Take off your shoes and feel your feet against the grounding force of the Earth. Walk mindfully for an extended period in silence, being present with your body and sensations of the ground beneath you.

Rooting

• If you only have a brief amount of time or a small yard, rooting into the Earth can be better than walking. Simply go outside and stand barefoot against the Earth. Stand in tadasana pose, hands by your side with your palms facing forward and feet hip-width apart. Close your eyes and feel your feet in contact with the surface beneath you and just breathe. Visualize your feet growing roots into the ground below you, offering you all of the healing energy and nutrients of the planet.

Bennd Mats

• For those who could use some grounding but are crunched for time or don't have access to nature, utilizing your Bennd mat for similar benefits is a great alternative. Our mats are infused with 22 traditional Ayurvedic herbs that are absorbed through the skin as you practice, offering healing benefits for your mind and body. These herbs are incredibly grounding and can facilitate similar effects to earthing.

• Our Dark Turmeric and Harda, Double Harda, and Annatto Seed and Harda mats are the perfect props for your earthing and grounding practice. Harda is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb and improves memory and focus.

• To practice earthing on your Bennd mat, use it for yoga or simply lie down on it and rest. You can add some support under your lower back or knees and focus on your breath. Let your body be heavy as you relax deeply, and let the healing power of the herbs soothe your mind and body and bring you into a more grounded state.