Summertime....

 

Just a Reminder....

 

The Importance of Grounding

 

 

 

Most of us has heard the word “grounding” before, most likely in reference to electricity and wiring. Basically, this means creating a low resistance path from an electrical appliance to the earth, in case there is a short or fault in the appliance. That way, rather than the user becoming electrocuted, the electricity will flow directly to the earth and dissipate. It is similar to times when the human body picks up electrons through fibers in clothing, furniture, or carpet, then when the body comes into contact with a metal or even another charged human, there is a discharge of those electrons which produces a shoch as the voltage is channeled to earth or to the other person.

So, we are all well aware of the fact that there are electrons and protons all around us in our environment, especially if we are surrounded by electronic devices. Any item that we plug into an outlet, or that we “charge” in order to use, carries varying amounts of voltage, and these voltages in motion produce electromotive forces (EMFs). We are not usually aware of these forces, but they can present some long-term issues because they may alter or interfere with the natural electrical currents of our bodies.

So while scientists may disagree about the risks and implications of emf exposure, and what level of exposure may or may not be considered “safe,” no one can argue about the fact that finding ways to discharge the accumulated electrons regularly is going to benefit us.

This is where grounding, or “earthing,” comes in once again. Just like proper wiring and precautions being commonplace in the electrician’s world, we can take time regularly to ground our own bodies, funnel those extra electrons into the earth, and restore electrical balance to our neural systems. This is so much easier and more fun than you may think.

Earthing is exactly what it sounds like…making contact with the earth! This means taking off the rubber soled shoes that you wear all day and making contact with the earth. Put your feet on the dirt, the grass, or in a natural water source like a creek or at the beach. Water is a fantastic conduit and taking a swim in a natural body of water connects the whole body to the earth’s natural electron flow, bringing fantastic balance to your body’s electrical system.

The health benefits of earthing may surprise you, unless you are a person who regularly swims, walks barefoot in the grass, or works in the dirt…these activities have an obvious calming effect, benefit number one! But it can also help to reduce pain and inflammation, improves circulation and delivery of oxygen and nutrients, and increase cardiovascular health. All that benefit and all you have to do is have some fun in the sun, barefoot!

It is also possible to purchase products that will help you to ground yourself while you sleep, which has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol and, if you have trouble sleeping, can help you get into a natural circadian rhythm.

I try to do this every day. I like to be barefoot as much as possible, so when I take the dogs out in the morning, I’m barefoot. I make contact with the grass, and if the grass is wet it’s even better! I even go out in the snow, if it isn’t too icy. And on a nice warm day I lay down in the grass and make as much contact with the earth as I can. I have always noticed that this has a way of relaxing me, and now I understand why.

 

References

Deziel, C. (n.d.). Why Do I Keep Getting Shocked in My House? Retrieved from Hunker: https://www.hunker.com/13414281/why-do-i-keep-getting-shocked-in-my-house

Eleesha Lockett, M. (2019, August 30). Grounding: Exploring Earthing Science and the Benefits Behind It. Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding

Erica Cirino, Karen Laboreux. (2021, July 8). Should You Be Worried About EMF Exposure? Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/emf

Ketler, A. (2018, January 23). The Science of Grounding & What Happens To Your Body When You Connect To The Earth. Retrieved from Renegade Tribune: http://www.renegadetribune.com/science-grounding-happens-body-connect-earth/

A Day in the Woods

Neilmann Trail of the Wilton Nature Preserve

I've gotten pretty tired of all the rainy New York days, but what a reward to head into the woods on a rare rainless day and find all these beauties!

 

Merck Forest and Farmland Center

 

Pups and I enjoyed a day in the woods of Vermont. Date on pics is wrong! Ha!

This was last weekend. I need to update my digital camera.

Played in the creek....a day of grounding!

Because Times Are What They Are...

 

Having a Wild Thyme!

 

This wonderful little herb was completely new to me when I moved to my new home in Saratoga County. I had grown thyme in my garden in Washington County, but I had no idea that it grew wild and could withstand foot traffic, mowing, heavy snow...everything that a New York summer and winter could throw at it!

It's name is T.drucei. Besides being pretty, not needing mowing, and drawing pollinators to the yard and garden, wild thyme has a wealth of uses. Click here for more on the uses and health benefits.

My neighbor and I seem to be on the same page as far as letting the thyme do its thing in the yard and we're both currently mowing around the patches of thyme and focusing on the lanky stuff that distracts from the little purple flowers and carpet of soft green leaves.

Since I am learning about "grounding" I decided to take some time today to lay in the thyme and get some fun up close pics of this wonderful little yard companion~