Down-to-Earthing

You know how the noun friend has given rise to the verb friending? Ditto the noun earth. Earthing, or grounding, is the idea that by putting our bare feet in contact with the earth, our bodies are thus "plugged in" and able to absorb electrical charges that are potentially beneficial.  Here's a more science-y explanation from the "Journal of Environmental and Public Health":

"The Earth’s negative charges can create a stable internal bioelectrical environment for the normal functioning of all body systems which may be important for setting the biological clock, regulating circadian rhythms and balancing cortisol levels."

Supposedly, this can help reduce inflammation and stress hormones, improve sleep, boost energy, and lower pain. 

Okay. Well.

I understand that the human body produces quite a lot of electrical activity, and so does the earth. And I also know that for millennia, humans walked around barefoot. Simply being outside has benefits that include better mood and increased vitamin D production. So I had no problem with the idea of spending time outdoors without my shoes on.

Sedona, AZ

I started my earthing/grounding week in Sedona, Arizona, which, if you don't know, has quite an alternative culture that includes energy vortexes, crystals, healers, psychics, aura photography, and $17 dollar smoothies. (No joke, I paid almost $20 for a blueberry and kale smoothie.)

The first morning, my husband and I decided on a sunrise hike. I wore my shoes on the way up, because pointy rocks, but when we arrived at the top, I took them off and sat with my bare feet on the red Arizona sandstone. It was a nice experience, but it was probably equally nice for all the other people who had their shoes on.

Throughout the week, I also earthed at a river, in a garden, in a hot spring, and on my patio. (Frankly,  I was pretty proud of my diverse earthing locations.) The tougher part was determining if it improved my well-being. I was on vacation for much of the time, and it's tough to beat that for a mood booster.  So I don't know if I buy into earthing or not. But anything that gets me outside and connected to nature is a good thing. Plus, I tend to walk around barefoot a lot, anyway.

Oak Creek, AZ

So I think I'll keep at it, at least until the cold weather arrives, which makes this week's experiment a seasonal Take It.

Happy Friday the 13th! Don't walk under any ladders today!