The ground nourishes our roots. Like a tree, we gain energy, nourishment, stability and growth when we are grounded in the present moment, present in the body and firmly connected to our environment. Without presence, we are separated from ourselves, from nature and from our sources of soul connection in this world. (Read Part 1 for more info).
Grounding anchors us in Time and Space – By excavating our roots we connect to older, deeper, and more instinctual parts of ourselves. We are in touch with the depths of our humanity and what Carl Jung called the collective unconscious – the immeasurable storehouse of human knowledge, experience, and wisdom available to everyone.
When we claim our roots, we connect to our past, our family history and cultural heritage. It helps us know who we are and where we come from. It gives us a center point inside of ourselves, a root to the world tree, of which all people are a part. When we ground ourselves and get rooted we strengthen our natural instincts and can draw from the vast wisdom of our bodies and of the earth.
Grounding gives us direction. Cut off from this vital source of connection and wisdom, we can more easily lose our path in life. Many people who have not found their true path may have simply not yet found their ground. Gazing skyward, we don’t see the point (in time and space) where our feet meet the path below and in front of us.
It makes us more effective – When you bring your consciousness down into your body, into the Root Chakra (at the base of your spine) and get grounded (see meditation at the end of this post) you will gain a real anchor. Visualizing and directing your thoughts will literally help you be more grounded. When you’re grounded you’re more effective in the “real” world. (Read Part 1 for more info).
Today I spoke with a close friend who is in the depths of grieving the sudden death of a loved one. It’s such a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, the preciousness of love and the strength and vulnerability of the human spirit.