This morning, I woke up and needed to go for an early walk before the heat and humidity rolled in and made everything feel sticky. At 6:00 a.m., I threw on some clothes, laced up my shoes, and headed out with excitement.
I had stopped taking early morning walks last summer after a skunk and I scared the absolute crap out of each other. Thankfully, neither of us wanted any further interaction, and I escaped without getting sprayed. Thank you, Universe!
As I walked, I listened to the chorus of crickets slowly giving way to the morning birds. I used that time to clear my energy, quiet the mental clutter, and stay open to whatever messages, ideas, or downloads wanted to come through.
This is my meditation.
Over the years, I've realized that meditation doesn't have to look the same for everyone. For some people, it's sitting quietly, humming, or focusing on their breath. For me? My deepest moments of connection happen while I'm moving through nature, standing in a hot shower, wandering through a forest, or taking an early morning walk before the world wakes up.
I have a friend in Washington State who heads to the beach to practice yoga with her feet in the sand. Another friend visits Lake Michigan several times a year just to bury her feet in the shoreline and listen to the rhythm of the waves.
Different places. Same medicine.
Do you know what forests, oceans, and lakes all have in common!
Negative ions.
These naturally occurring molecules are abundant around moving water, forests, waterfalls, and after a rainstorm. Research suggests they may help improve mood, support lung function, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, ease headaches, improve sleep quality, and even sharpen mental focus.
Nature has always known what our bodies need.
Grounding doesn't stop with walking through the woods or sitting by the water, either.
Working directly with the Earth is another powerful way to reconnect. Plant your own vegetables or herbs. Tend to your flowers. Pull weeds. Dig in the garden. Get your hands dirty. Not only does gardening help regulate your nervous system and bring you into the present moment, but exposure to healthy soil microbes may also support a stronger immune system.
Sometimes the greatest act of self-care isn't another thing to buy or another task to accomplish.
Sometimes it's as simple as taking off your shoes, stepping outside, breathing deeply, and remembering that you are part of nature—not separate from it.
So, where do you feel most grounded?
The forest? The beach? A quiet lake? Your own backyard?
Whatever your place is, spend a little more time there. Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.