The last months or even years a strong shift in energy is happening all around the globe and there is probably nobody who didn't feel it in some way. Many of us might sense an increase of anxiety, restlessness or worry - of course also due to what is happening in the world at the moment. If you notice any of these symptoms it can be very important to ground yourself.
Looking at it from an energetic point of view that includes our chakras (The 7 main chakras - Our inner support system for health and happiness (artika-healing.com)) it might mean that your lower chakras need some care and balance. Especially the root chakra, which supports our feeling of safety, security and connection to earth plays an important role here. According to TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) it could also mean that you have too much heat in your upper body which interrupts your energy flow and makes it difficult to stay grounded. Another reason that I want to mention is that we live in times of immense energetic change. A lot of people are becoming more and more conscious about themselves, the world we live in, about our human experience and the spiritual side that plays a role in our existence. It seems that we are finding a more spiritual and conscious way of living. As this happens we are stronger connected to our higher selves and a divine energy that brings an upward streaming energy flow with it. In my eyes this is amazing and a necessary and natural movement that just happens at this stage of our existence. Nevertheless it also means that staying grounded is even more important at the moment. A tree needs strong roots to be able to grow tall is the classic metaphor here.
One of the perks of working with your energy is that it can happen in so many different ways. So when it comes to grounding there are multiple approaches and tools to try out as well. I'll list a view 'classics' here and hopefully give you some new ideas too.
Of course nature plays a big part in grounding. One of my favourites is to walk barefoot on grass, sand, soil or wherever. Through your feet you connect to the earth and can transfer negative energy into the ground. Simply sitting under a tree, leaning against it, has very earthing effects. Trees are incredible creatures that have the ability to transform energy in all different kinds of ways. Also lying on the floor can calm and ground you. Feeling the support underneath you and how it holds you can decrease anxiety and the feeling of being restless.
Grounding works best when you bring your awareness to your body. This can happen in many different ways. Just touch your arms, hands, legs and feet with soft pressure, feel all the parts of your body. Many Yoga poses such as the warrior poses, mountain pose or downward facing dog, just to name a few, are balancing, activating the lower chakras and have grounding effects. Dancing or just rhythmically moving your body will bring you back to your centre and helps to connect with your body. Don't overthink it and see what feels good for you. If you feel anxious it most likely always helps to move, so just going for a walk in nature is one of the best things you can do.
Having anxiety or panic attacks brings your nervous system into a fight or flight mode which causes immense stress for mind and body. When you ground yourself you let your system rest and can get back into a state of relaxation. Make sure to have a quiet and comfortable place for yourself once in a while especially if you live or work in a busy and hectic place.
Nutrition is a powerful way to help you stay grounded. Food can and should be used as medicine. The right diet can completely change your physical and mental health. Finding the diet that is best for you is a very individual process and should best be discussed with a TCM or Ayurveda practitioner. You can also work on your intuition and see if you are drawn to certain foods (Fast food does not count). If you tend to be anxious it is probably best to reduce or stop your alcohol, caffeine and sugar intake at least for a while to see how you feel without these substances. I do love coffee but I know that I should not have more than two a day. Also stay away from processed food and fast food of course.
Food that has grounding effects can be root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, soups and warm nurturing food in general. Chicken or vegetable broth is calming and warming from the inside and gives you energy. Stews, porridge or anything warm with a texture that is easy to digest is great. Again, you would really benefit from talking to a specialist about your diet so you can figure out which one is best for you specifically.
Of course through meditation you can become more grounded as well. Although meditation might seem to activate your upper chakras and connect you to upstreaming energies, you can use it to balance your lower chakras. There are grounding frequencies you can listen to or you work with a visualization where you imagine you have roots growing down into the earth. Imagining a glowing red light ball where your root chakra sits can activate and balance your Muladhara. Try and see what feels good for you because intuitively you always know what you need.
Your breath is always a very powerful tool and can ground and calm you too. So once in a while stop whatever you are doing and just focus on your inhale and exhale. Take a deep breath in. . . and a deep breath out. . . let it all go and feel your connection to the earth.
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