Sometimes our usual grounding methods just aren’t cutting it. This practice is one I like to use when I’ve been experiencing a period of chaos or restlessness and need to bring myself back down to earth in a big way. It’s designed to be easy to do with whatever you have on hand, and at the end of this post, I’ll offer several possible adjustments for different access needs.

You will need:

• A blanket or towel large enough to lie on
• An outdoor space such as a backyard, public park, or community green space

To perform the ritual:

• Find a place outdoors where you can spread out your blanket or towel. Try to find a place where you can rest for a few moments without being disturbed. (A busy dog park or playground probably isn’t the best spot for this ritual!)
• Place your blanket or towel down on the ground, then sit or lie down on top of it. I like to lie on my back so that as much of my body as possible is touching the ground, but you should choose a position that feels comfortable (or at least manageable) for your body.
• If it feels safe and comfortable for you to do so, close your eyes. It’s also absolutely fine to keep your eyes open during this activity.
• Feel into your body. Try to really tune into the physical sensations in your body. Are you feeling hungry, thirsty, or tired? Do you feel hot or cold? Do you notice any pain or tension in your body? Try not to get attached or pass judgment on these sensations. Simply notice them as neutral information, then move on.
• Turn your attention to the way your body interacts with the natural world around you. Maybe you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin or the coolness of the ground beneath you. Maybe you feel a breeze or hear birds singing. Maybe you smell flowers or grass, or maybe you feel the texture of the blanket or towel beneath you. Make note of the places where your body meets the wider world.
• From here, expand your attention to include more of the natural world around you. Become aware of a greater whole outside of yourself. Notice the sights (if your eyes are open), sounds, smells, and touches of the world around you. Feel yourself as a part of this greater whole, just as much as the grass, the birds, or the breeze are.
• Notice how you are supported by the natural world. Notice how the earth beneath you holds your body, providing stability and safety. Notice how the sun warms you, or how the breeze cools your skin. Allow yourself to feel held by the world around you.
• Stay in this place of gentle, holistic awareness for as long as you can. You may fall asleep, and that’s absolutely okay. Allow your body to be here in whatever way it needs to.
• When you are ready to end your earthing ritual, say a quick prayer of thanks to the earth for holding and supporting you before you pack up your blanket and go about your day.

Accessibility Adjustments:

• If you are unable to do this ritual outdoors for any reason, you can do it indoors. Simply spread your blanket on the floor inside instead of on the ground outside. You may find it helpful to play birdsongs or other nature noises to help you feel more connected to the outdoor world.
• If sitting or lying on the ground is uncomfortable for you, you can instead do this ritual sitting in a chair or on a bench with your feet flat on the ground.
• If keeping your body completely still is not accessible for you, feel free to do something with your hands during this exercise. You might play with a fidget toy, work on a knitting project or other craft, or doodle in a notebook during your earthing. Try to choose a “brain off” task for your hands so you can keep your attention on your body and the world around you.

For more details: https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/authors/sam-wise