1/25/2014
The very definition of Ground means:
- 1.The solid surface of the earth.
And the very action of “ground-ing” is that of immersing yourself in the very nature that encompasses you on a daily basis.
Now why would someone care about grounding themselves at all? If you have taken a look around lately you may have realized that we are living in a society today that has largely cut off from all different forms of outside activity. If you want to work out, you go to the gym. If you want to unwind after work, you may find yourself either browsing the internet/social media sites, or watching either television or Netflix for a few hours. If this sounds like you, you may want to consider stepping outside for a change and experience the real change inside yourself when you do. I have found that ironically a lot of people feel disconnected further from what life really is about because of the overgrowth of these actions being stuck inside on a daily basis.
That is where the very action of “grounding” comes into play, for taking (at the very least) 10 minutes a day to go out into nature, science has now found gives a “mood-boosting effect” according to a 2010 study in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. This is something that the indigenous around the world have all known and understood for a very long time, and that it goes beyond just a “mood boosting effect” that involves the mind, body, and spirit on a much deeper level.
Now when it comes down to “how” an individual grounds his or her self it is unique and varies from person to person. But I feel what may help steer people in the right direction to experiment for themselves is partially revealed within one’s zodiac sign.
This is more for fun, but perhaps it resonates for you. If so? Great! If not then this is just a fun article for your perusal. Also worth noting that there is MUCH more than just your Sun sign (meaning the sign with the month you were born), there are many other signs influencing these elements within your chart. For example you may be an Aquarius but have your other signs all in water signs (which then makes you more of a water sign than perhaps air). So if your zodiac sign’s element doesn’t resonate with you then perhaps use another element, all the matters is what grounds you most (and makes you happy).
Such as,
For Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius:
Fire is your element. Doesn’t mean necessarily burning things will ground you (maybe it does, but remember all things in moderation and with respect to the environment). But perhaps things that make you feel most comforted is being around a bonfire, fireplaces, volcanoes, lighting candles, burning incense, smudging (burning sage), and other things of the like. Perhaps you claim king of the bonfire and you are in charge of the poking stick for moving around the wood and this brings you great happiness.
Then Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius:
Air is the Element that you are most connected to. Maybe you like being on top of mountains, in a wide open field, listening to the leaves lightly shake together in a wave like pattern, or the gentle breeze coming off the ocean. You might also enjoy the sound of wind in general.
As for Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces:
Water rings the most true. With water being the dominant element for grounding, most likely people with these signs are attracted to any body of water and seek these places out during times of contemplation and relaxation. Often these signs feel their best around creeks, rivers, oceans, lakes, and hot springs (but then again who doesn’t like hot springs?). Also these signs in particular love rain, the sound, touch, and feel of it (as do other signs but specifically water signs). And if you get yourself on a boat, even better!
And lastly, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn:
The Earth element sign has the strongest resonance to lush nature surrounding when grounding. These signs love to be deep in a forest for contemplation and love long walks through nature. Also these signs are well known for keeping lots of plants in the home to make it feel more grounded throughout the household. Gardening is a great way to ground for this sign (for any sign really), and really gets you “grow your roots” so to speak.
All the signs use the Earth element to ground, just each is slightly different in the respect of what grounds each person best. And of course any of these ways can be used to ground regardless of your sign. These different grounding techniques will bring you back into your heart center, and make you feel more balanced as well as more aware of the larger picture of your situation. Remember next time when you are in times of great stress to try and remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and to get out into the nature, and above all, enjoy yourself. Spending some much needed time within, you might be surprised by the relief you will find when you allow yourself without any judgment to be present within this moment.
I hope that one of the 4 elements resonated with you, perhaps all of them did! These are just a few different ideas to help get you started on all the various ways one can ground. With these nature based ways to spend your time you will benefit from less stress, anxiety, and help alleviate some of those “stuck” feelings. If you don’t feel any different being out in nature than you haven’t spent enough time out there! I hope that this article has served you well and I look forward to making more of articles like this.
Much love,
Sara