Walt Whitman once said, “Now I see the secret of making the best person: it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.”

As we are at the beginning of a new year, and a new decade, it’s the best time to commit to self-care, and connecting with Mother Earth is a fantastic way to do that.

I’ve written about Earthing or Grounding before, but I think the clean slate that comes with the new year is the perfect time to dive a bit deeper into this life-changing and life-affirming practice.

Just a quick reminder about what Grounding/Earthing means. By definition, it means any direct contact a human body has with the earth’s surface. The thought is that the earth holds a very mild negative charge and our bodies, under the influence of modern technology, build up a positive charge. 

The positive electrons, which are harmful and hold a negative connotation, cause chronic inflammation and an increase in free radicals. When we have too many free radicals in our bodies, our cells and DNA become damaged. 

Earthing can also reduce circulatory inflammation and support our cardiac health. 

When your body directly touches the Earth, your entire being changes; both inside and outside. Studies show earthing calms our nervous system and helps reduce stress and anxiety. 

Make a New Year’s intention to go barefoot on the Earth for at least 20 minutes, twice a day. If that’s too much, try for 10 minutes on your lunch break. 

It will quiet your inner talk and bring you back to the center of your being. You’ll be able to see the world, your life, and yourself in a whole new way.