Page 15 - Seniorstoday May 2024 Issue

In the west the concept of grounding is
The Benefits of Grounding
The west has now woken up to the benefits
of connecting with the earth and call this
process of sitting or lying on the ground as
“grounding”.
Everything that we knew in the yoga they
now have theories for. A leading life coach
(Yes, there is such a profession) admits that
in our western culture we don’t have space
for restoration. There are no time outs, no
recess.
When you lie flat on your back, your
posture is open and relaxed. This has a
calming effect on your body, whereas on a
comfortable mattress which one assumes
would be more conducive to relaxation, but
your mind is still working. On the floor,
your mind is more attuned to what your
body is feeling and less focused on your
thoughts. To get comfortable on the floor it
becomes necessary to focus on your body
and the process of relaxation.
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #59 | MAY 2024
rooted in the belief that the earth carries
a subtle energy that can positively impact
on our physical, mental and emotional
wellbeing. By establishing a direct
physical and energetic connection with
the earth, we tap into this energy and
experience its benefit. When we make
direct contact with the earth, we absorb
its free electrons which are believed to
have antioxidant effects on the body.
This can help neutralise free radicals and
reduce inflammation leading to overall
improvement in health.
Research has shown that sitting or sleeping
on the ground can have a calming effect
on the nerves systems helping to reduce
stress and anxiety, promote relaxation,
improve sleep and even alleviate chronic
pain. Sitting on the ground requires us to
engage our core muscles and maintain a
proper posture. This helps strengthen our
back and abdominal muscles, improve
spinal alignment and alleviate the strain
on our neck and our shoulders caused by
prolonged sitting in a chair.
How to Ground And Reconnect with the
Earth
Meditation and breathing exercises are
best done seated on the ground. When you
engage in meditation, bring your attention
to the present moment, be aware of the
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