Grounding is the act of connecting more deeply and completely to the body, strengthening the feeling of being inside the body and connected to the ground or earth.
Here is an introduction to grounding ideas.
We invite you to explore and experience a taste of how you could engage with the ‘Theatre Of The Body’ with some ideas that may help you become more self aware, connected and calm.
Being grounded is the prerequisite for feeling centred and fully in contact with your world. Some people reduce anxiety symptoms with grounding. The following grounding exercises encourage you to build mind and body connection.
You could try different ones at different times, see what suits you; you might find one or two that work for you. Whilst experimenting with the grounding exercises suggested here: – remember only to use the exercises with which you feel comfortable.
- Stop and listen. Notice and silently name what you can hear nearby and in the distance.
- Stamp your feet. Notice the sensation and the sound as you connect with the ground.
- If you are sitting feel the chair under you and the weight of your body and legs pressing down onto it.
- Focus on your breath – notice your in-breath – count as you exhale, repeat.
- Look around the room and notice familiar objects and name them.
- Have a special object on your bedside table, something soothing – look for this when you wake, recall why you selected this object
- Lying down. Feel the contact between your head, your body and your legs. Notice where they touch the surface you are lying on. Starting from your head, notice how each muscle feels, all the way down to your feet, on the soft or hard surface.
- Hold a mug of tea in both hands and feel its warmth. Don’t rush, take small sips and take your time tasting each mouthful mindfully, notice how you swallow.
- Get up, walk around and take your time to notice each step as you take one then another.
- Clap and rub your hands together, hear the noise and feel the sensation in your hands and arms.
- Step outside, notice the temperature of the air and contrast this with inside.
You could record the sensations that you notice. You could reflect on the activity and notice if you feel better or worse? Calmer or more stressed? Without judgment – there are no right or wrong answers in this experiment. Keeping a record, writing down your observations enhances the experience.
