As the weather begins to improve and the end of lockdowns become a reality, feelings of joy and excitement are starting to fill the air but at the same time, it can also be overwhelming and stressful for some.
As a yoga teacher I often use the term “being grounded”, but what does that actually mean? How does one become grounded and why is it so important to be grounded?
It’s difficult sometimes to not get stuck in our head and overcome by our thoughts and emotions and this can lead to us living on autopilot, just going through the motions without fully feeling, understanding and living. And then physically we feel disconnected scatty and unbalanced.
And life is all about balance.
In Yoga, the act of grounding restores and strengthens our connection to the earth so that we feel supported. Physical grounding is about finding that solid connection with the earth. Bringing our attention to our feet, hands, and body when they touch the floor.
Mentally, breathing techniques and meditation (amongst others) encourage us to stop overthinking and just come back to the moment and to our bodies.
Basically, being grounding is about being and not about thinking.
There are a variety of ways to help you become and stay grounded and like everything else, there isn’t one rule for all but finding a few go-to-skills that work for you can help you maintain that balance and keep you from feeling burnt out.
1. Keep a journal
2. Go outside and walk barefoot
3. Use a mantra
4. Meditation or a visualization
5. Breathing
Today though I am going to have a look at a few simple grounding poses that are accessible to everyone and can be done easily at any point of the day. In yoga, there is a grounding element in every pose, you just have to allow yourself to feel it. In your feet, your hands, your core, your entire body.
3 Grounding poses
Balasana - Child’s pose
This restful, restorative pose restores balance and harmony in the body and puts the mind into an open and receptive state.
Start on your hands and knees and bring the knees together. Lower your hips to your heels and rest your arms by your side until your head is resting on your yoga mat (or on a cushion or block). Gently start breathing. This pose can create a feeling of safety as you rest your forehead on the ground. It will slowly bring you back down to earth as you feel the body supported by the ground.
Tadasana – Mountain pose
This is the basic standing pose. Standing tall with the feet hip-width apart, press down into the feet and focus on engaging all the muscles, starting from the feet moving all the way to the crown of your head. Feel yourself creating a strong foundation but not rigid, feeling soft but not limp. This pose will help create stability and symmetry within the body and promote a mind-body connection but also a connection to the earth.
Sukhasana - Crossed legged pose
A very simple but effective pose.
This is a good alternative if the lotus is not yet accessible and is also a comfortable position for meditation and breathing (pranayama).
Just take a seat and try and create an even foundation. Feel the earth beneath you as your sit bones press into the Earth.
Try closing your eyes and without any need for any fancy breathing just focus on your inhale and exhale and visualize yourself rooted into the earth, feeling a sense of relax and balance.
But above all remember to Breathe, whether you are doing a yoga posture or writing a journal, take a few moments to focus on your breath. This simple act of attention will slow down the mind and very soon your body and breath will follow.
