Being grounded…getting grounded…staying grounded. These phrases are used a lot when talking about wellness, living a balanced life, and recovering from trauma. What do they really mean? There may be as many answers to that question as there are people. “Grounding” is commonly used to describe actions that we can take to counteract challenging emotions or thoughts, and to tap into a sense of security and clarity. Just like an electrical circuit needs to be grounded to the earth to allow a safe path for excess energy to escape, we too need to be grounded to let our own excess energy–perhaps experienced as worry, tension, or scattered thinking–to be released. Rather than forcing this excess energy away, I like to imagine gently encouraging it to dissipate or be recycled into a more helpful state of mind and body. This can bring a greater ability to be present in the moment to physical and emotional sensations, and to respond mindfully to the situation at hand.

It may be helpful to ask, “What makes me feel grounded? How do I know when I’m grounded and when I’m not?” If you’d like, try experimenting with a few different grounding styles, staying curious about what works for you. For example, if you have a strong auditory sense, you may find humming, listening to music, birdsong, the sounds of nature, or singing bowls to be helpful. For those who are visually inclined, imagery such as tree roots growing from your feet into the earth, looking at art, or viewing a peaceful scene in nature can be grounding. And if you have a strong kinesthetic awareness with a keen sense of touch, then deep breathing, walking barefoot on grass or sand, or gardening may help you to feel grounded. There’s no one right way to develop a grounding practice. What’s important is to feel comfortable with your unique style, not only so that it can be called upon during times of stress, but also to strengthen your spirit when you’re feeling well.