Barefoot walks along the sandy beaches always recharge me, the ebb and flow of the waves, the salty air that kisses my skin, and the crunch of the sand beneath my feet. It’s a cathartic experience that we have all felt; recharged, revitalized.
But do you know why?
Our planet is alive with natural energies. Emanating from the surface of the earth is this low vibrational frequency that provides the biological mechanics for life, rhythms of natural energy flowing like a heartbeat.
Universal life depends on this.
The solar rays from the sun, lightning storms and the molten core of our earth are constantly replenishing the giant battery that is our Earth so that we too, can be recharged.
“The natural frequencies of the earth are waves of energy caused by the motion of subatomic particles called free electrons.” - EARTHING (book)
Electrons are negatively charged and are in abundance, continually renewed by rain and lightning strikes and found near large bodies of water such as the sea or green spaces in Nature.
What Do Electrons Do?
Just one of the systems of energy that is created on the earth is the circadian rhythm (our sleep/ day cycle) and the interplays with the energy of the electrons. During the day the sun’s rays energize the electrons making them vibrate faster- thus giving us the energy to do what’s required each day. At night the electrons vibrate slower as the energy of the day diminishes and we feel sleepy and head to bed.
These negatively charged electrons, when absorbed by our bodies, reduce electrical imbalances in our body and the oxidative stress of free radicals that are responsible for chronic illness, inflammation, disease, and high vibrational mental states such as stress and anxiety.
Barefoot walking is one simple way we can connect to the healing energy of the earth.
Our feet have an abundance of nerve endings, sensory receptors, and the important role of keeping our body upright and moving. The nerves and senses send back important information to our brain about the temperature, texture, pressure, and emotional response to the ground below.
The analogy of use or lose it applies here as the less stimulation our feet receptors and nerves are given, the lazier they get and this results in loss of sensation, toe movement limitations, and falls in the older generations. Falls are larger due to the lack of sensation on the soles of the feet and proprioceptors no longer feeding back correctly.
Too often we get home from work, kick off our shoes, and put uggs on. True? Or we head outside to play with the kids and always at them to put shoes on. Why? We are insulating this information highway and essentially cutting off the energy flow required to reset/balance our own electrical system.
In our modern lives, we are overstimulated by electrical devices, nature starved in offices and buildings, and insulate our feet from the elements that are designed to restore us. We no longer sit, stand walk, or sleep on the ground as our ancestors once did. We are living in high vibrational states or positively charged constantly; stress which leads to chronic disease and inflammation.
Our heart, brain nervous system, immune system, and muscles are all electrical subsystems operating within our bodies. All our movements, behaviours and actions are powered by electrical currents. For example, the transportation of nutrients into the cells is regulated by a number of electric fields so stress, anxiousness, and lack of nature will affect these running systems.
What Can You Do?
A great way to start to ‘Earth’ is to step outside for 10 mins a day, barefoot. Connect with the soil, sand, and grass as you hang out the washing, check the mailbox or feed the chickens.
Lay on the grass with as much skin to earth contact as possible. Leave the headphones and devices inside and instead tune into the sights and sounds around you.
If you live near a stream, beach, or lake, Take your shoes off and wade in the water as deep as you would like to be wet. Bring attention to the sensations on the sole of your feet.
Avoid wearing shoes when possible and within reason. If you aren’t earthing, avoiding wearing shoes indoor will strengthen the receptors on the soles of your feet, improving feedback, balance, and immunity.
If you are suffering anxiety or high levels of stress, take your shoes off and even walk barefoot indoors (if you can’t get outdoors). Connection with the surfaces below your feet regardless of carpet or floorboards will also provide calming sensation through the sensations of touch.
In all honesty, I’ve never been a shoe wearer. If I’m not in hiking boots, you will find me barefoot regardless of the seasons. I feel much more grounded for it.
Have you tried Earthing? Let me know your experience in the comment below.
Amanda x
Hikers are encouraged to take their shoes off on the beach sections of our Hikes.