Plant Based Foods for Grounding Your Energy ⋆ Earth and Water

As the crisp autumn air turns to the biting cold of winter, a sense of disconnection can creep in. The vibrant colors of nature fade, replaced by a stark landscape, and the shorter days can leave us feeling isolated and adrift. This feeling of being ungrounded, of a disconnect from the earth and ourselves, can fuel anxiety and unease.

In this wintry landscape, seeking solace in food transcends mere sustenance. It becomes a philosophical act, a conscious effort to reconnect with the earth and its rhythms, to nourish not just our bodies but also our souls. Certain foods, like roots reaching deep into the earth, offer a potent grounding force, anchoring us to the present moment and fostering a sense of inner peace.

For most of us, grounding ourselves is a practice we could highly benefit from. I’ve always had a hard time staying grounded and it’s been a contributing factor to my life long battle with anxiety.

Of course, it’s impossible to focus on ways of grounding if you’d never heard of “grounding yourself”. Which is exactly where I was for most of my life.

Grounding oneself, also known as earthing, refers to the practice of connecting with the Earth’s natural energy. It’s to be here in the physical nowness. To connect to the earth and all that comes from it. To balance yourself between this solid element and it’s sisters so that you may bring your awareness into the stability that is this moment. This can be done through various techniques.

Some people have a hard time staying grounded whereas others are in this state of grounding at all times, without even trying. If you’re air heavy in your birth chart or dosha, you’ll feel as though you have trouble staying grounded. This may cause you more anxiety. Someone who has an earth heavy chart probably wouldn’t have these problems as often.

If we’re having trouble staying grounded, we may experience:

Anxiety
Overwhelm
Sickness
Dizziness
Unable to focus
Light headedness
Feelings of floating
Tiredness
Concentration issues
Nervousness
Overstimulation
Clumsiness
Forgetfulness

There are various tools and methods we can use to help ground us.

Physical contact with the Earth:

Walking barefoot on the ground: This allows the body to absorb free electrons from the Earth, which can have a calming and grounding effect.
Sitting or lying on the ground: Spending time in direct contact with the Earth can promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Swimming in natural bodies of water: The water acts as a conductor, allowing the body to absorb the Earth’s energy.

Visualization:

Imagine roots growing from your feet and anchoring you into the Earth.
Visualize yourself surrounded by a white light or a protective shield.
Focus on your breath and feel your connection to the Earth.

Mindfulness practices:

Meditation: Focusing on the present moment and your breath can help to quiet the mind and promote a sense of calm.
Yoga: Certain yoga poses, such as Mountain Pose and Child’s Pose, can help to ground you in your body and connect you to the Earth.
Spending time in nature: Immersing yourself in nature can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of peace and well-being.

The benefits of grounding oneself include:

Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved sleep quality
Increased energy levels
Enhanced focus and concentration
Reduced pain and inflammation
Boosted immune system
Greater emotional stability
Improved sense of well-being

Grounding oneself is a simple and powerful practice that can be done anywhere, at any time. It is a great way to connect with nature, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.

Food is another way of grounding. Food does more than nourish our bodies. It helps tether us to the earth that we reside upon, connect us to the source that brings life to us all and bring stability and balance to us on a multi dimensional level.

Certain foods can help us stay present and tethered to the earth whereas some foods can help us to feel lighter and lift us up.

Root vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and beets, are symbolic of this grounding power. They draw their sustenance from the earth, literally connecting us to the source of life. Their earthy flavors and dense textures provide a sense of stability and solidity, counteracting the fleeting nature of winter.

Warm, comforting foods like stews, soups, and roasted vegetables offer a similar grounding effect. The act of preparing these meals, taking time to lovingly chop vegetables and simmer them into a nourishing broth, becomes a ritual of self-care. The slow, deliberate process grounds us in the present moment, offering a respite from the frenetic pace of daily life.

Furthermore, certain spices and herbs can amplify the grounding properties of our winter diet. Ginger, known for its warming and invigorating properties, helps to dispel feelings of coldness and stagnation. Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory and mood-boosting effects, promotes a sense of inner calm and resilience.

Beyond the physical benefits, the act of sharing these meals with loved ones adds another layer of grounding. Breaking bread together fosters connection and belonging, reminding us that we are not alone in this journey through winter’s dark days. The warmth of shared laughter and conversation nourishes our souls and reminds us of the simple joys of human connection.

The winter months, with their starkness and quietude, can offer a unique opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. By choosing foods that ground us, we can cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience, weathering the winter storms with grace and equanimity. This mindful approach to food becomes a philosophical act, a way of aligning ourselves with the natural rhythms of the earth and finding solace in the present moment.

As we savor each bite of a nourishing winter meal, we can feel the roots of calm taking hold within us, anchoring us to the earth and reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things. In this way, food becomes more than mere nourishment; it becomes a bridge between us and the natural world, a source of strength and solace in the face of winter’s chill.

Grounding foods:

Mushrooms
Nuts
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Walnuts
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts
- Pecans
- Pistashios
- Coconuts
- Etc
Seeds
- Chia
- Flax
- Sunflower
- Quinoa
- Sesame
- Pumpkin
- Hemp
- Poppy
- Etc
Legumes
Beans
Nut butters
- Peanut butter
- Almond butter
- Etc
Root Vegetables
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Yams
- Carrots
- Turnips
- Ginger
- Rutabaga
- Radish
- Jerusalem Artichoke
- Sugar Beets
- Parsley Roots
- Parsnip
Turmeric
Red Fruits and Veggies
Squash
- Butternut
- Acorn
- Etc
Oats
Pumpkin
Whole Grains
Warm Spices
Fermented Foods
Room temperature or hot liquids such as water or tea

We ground ourselves through our root chakra. Earth’s energy travels into us through this passageway and into the rest of our chakras, healing and balancing us. If the energy is blocked at the root, it can’t travel up to the remaining chakras. This can leave us with a cascade of problems on a physical, mental and spiritual level.

Everything we eat either heals us or harms us. It’s important to be present in our own bodies so that we may listen to what it’s trying to tell us. It’s always trying to guide us toward what it wants and away from what it doesn’t. Listen to it and always practice mindful eating.

Best Vibes Always,

S.S.Blake

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