The Best Times and Places for Grounding: A Shamanic Perspective
The modern world is filled with all kinds of polarities, certainty vs. uncertainty, calm vs. chaos, and peace vs. stress. From the rapid pace of changes in our personal life to global changes and challenges, it’s easy to feel many different emotional polarities on any given day. Grounding—a key practice in shamanic energy medicine—offers a way to restore harmony, calm the mind, and cultivate your inner connection to spirit. Here are some powerful ways to find harmony and be energized in the present moment.
What Is Grounding and Why Is It Important?
Defining Grounding in a Shamanic Context
I have come to understand that when harmonizing the polarities of being a Timeless Spiritual Being to our existence here on earth as a Human Being, it is of great benefit to establish a practice of grounding in the Heavens or Spiritual Realm and grounding in Mother Earth, Both types of grounding are important to a holistic practice of well-being. Establishing a strong connection to Spirit and Mother Earth has empowered me and my clients to cultivate a more harmonic existence between the polarities of our timeless existence.
In shamanic traditions, grounding refers to the process of energetically connecting to either the Heavens and the Earth to restore harmony and a fluid connection within your body, mind, and spirit. This connection allows you to feel stable, present, and aligned with the spirit world and natural world. Unlike modern definitions that focus solely on physical health, grounding in a shamanic context also involves cultivating an energetic harmony that fosters healing and resilience.
Benefits of Grounding for Holistic Well-being
Grounding offers numerous benefits for overall well-being. It calms the nervous system, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity. On a spiritual level, grounding fosters a deeper connection to the present moment, allowing you to face life’s challenges with strength and grace. Whether navigating personal struggles or global uncertainty, grounding can be a transformative practice for maintaining inner peace.
Shamanic Energy Medicine Practices for Grounding
Shamanic traditions teach us to connect daily to our Higher Self and Spirit through the power of prayer and meditation. While in prayer we are conversing with Spirit, petitioning, in gratitude, and also praying for others. In this instance, we are “talking” to Spirit. Our prayer life is so very important in grounding to the Heavens.
Meditation is a beautiful way to cultivate stillness, peace, and well-being. Meditation is a wonderful way to connect and “listen” to Spirit. By quieting mental noise and focusing on your breath or a specific visualization, meditation fosters inner peace and clarity.
Shamanic meditations, which often involve connecting with nature or spirit guides, can deepen this sense of grounded presence.
Connecting with the Earth Energetically
Shamanic traditions teach us that Mother Earth is a powerful source of healing energy. One simple yet profound grounding practice involves visualizing roots extending from your feet deep into the Earth’s core. As you breathe deeply, you imagine drawing up nurturing energy from the Earth into your body. This technique can help release tension and foster a sense of stability.
Clearing and Harmonizing the Energy Field
Clearing your energy field is another essential step in grounding. Shamanic tools such as smudging with sage or palo santo can help remove stagnant or low vibrational energy. Similarly, sound healing with drums, chimes, or singing bowls can harmonize your energetic vibrations. These practices create a clearer, more grounded state of being.
Rituals for Everyday Grounding
Incorporating grounding rituals into your daily routine can create lasting stability. Begin your day with a simple grounding meditation or practice gratitude while walking barefoot on the Earth. Cultivate a daily prayer and meditation practice. Small, consistent rituals like these help anchor your energy in both Spirit and Mother Earth, even during life’s most peaceful or chaotic moments.
How Breathwork Enhances Grounding
The Role of Breathwork in Grounding
Breathwork is a cornerstone of grounding practices, as it bridges the mind and body. A simple grounding breathwork exercise called box breathing can be easily implemented. When you find your mind running away with you or difficulty being present simply take a few minutes to do the following:
Inhale slowly through your nostrils for a count of four
Hold your breath for a count of four
Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of four
Hold your exhalation for a count of four
Repeat steps 1–4 until you feel re-centered
How to Box Breath diagram
Enhancing Our Experience for Grounding
Create Sacred Space
Creating a sacred space is essential for grounding, prayer, and meditation. Whether it’s a dedicated room, a cozy corner, or a spot in nature, your sacred space should feel calm and inviting. Enhance the atmosphere with elements like candles, crystals, sacred objects that are important to you, or nature plants and flowers. These energies will support your grounding rituals.
You can find more tools to support you and create your own energetic toolkit with my book, “Luminous: A Shamanic Approach to a Harmonic Body, Mind and Spirit.”
The important thing to remember is to create time to ground in ways that fit into your life. You can include all of these recommendations, or just start with one thing and cultivate your own practice that works for you.