Grounding at Home

Grounding At Home

by Raven Taylor

It started with my morning coffee. At some point I realised that I began everyday, while drinking said coffee, on my phone- checking for notifications, catching up on messages, convinced that somehow the world needed my attention from the second I woke up. And there was always something waiting that did need my attentions- a watts app chat from my hobby group that had gained a flurry of exchanges, a message from my Mum, an email about a work assignment…Dealing with them all as soon as I woke up often spoiled my morning coffee and set the tone for the rest of the day- that I should be available and on call at all times. It wasn’t a good way to start the day, and so I decided to make a simple change: I wouldn’t look at my phone until after my coffee, I would instead go outside and just do nothing. On nice days I didn’t even put my shoes on. I would just stand there, feeling the earth under my feet and what at first started off as just a time to hit pause, soon became a way of reconnecting to myself, and of feeling more grounded. 

I was never one for wellness trends and I had never paid much mind when I heard people talking about grounding, but there was always something oddly comforting about being barefoot outside, even just for ten minutes. The science of it, I discovered, involves the earths magnetic fields which we can’t connect with when we wear rubber souled shoes. I can’t pretend to know exactly how this works, but I know how it feels- like I’m reforging a deep connection I had long ago forgotten.

I live in an ordinary house with a slightly unruly garden. I often describe it as ‘managed wild’. There’s grass that’s often a bit long, old stone slabs, mud, dirt, gravel. Sometimes I step on a sharp stone and I might curse a bit, but that’s all part of reminding me how to feel the world with my whole body and that there is so much more going on beyond the screen of my phone. My daily morning ritual has grown- I make the effort to pause and be reconnect in the mid-afternoon now too. 

I don’t have a checklist, or a reminder to do this everyday, and yes, sometimes my routine slips and sometimes I forget to step outside and ground myself altogether. But when I do take the time to put my bare feet on the ground and earth myself I tend to have a better day. If I am especially stressed with the pressures of working from home it can really help me reset- even if it is just taking five minutes to sit at the back door in the winter with my feet on those old flagstones. 

One thing I have learned is that the earth will always be there- its quiet and invisible electric field is always waiting for you to tap in. It doesn’t take a huge effort either- all you have to do is pause long enough to feel it.

So next time you are feeling the stress of family life, or the pressures of working from home, why not take a few moments to go outside and feel the grass between your toes, or the warmth of a sun warmed stone slab on your souls. You might just find that it makes your day!

Barefoot Festival 2025

Details for this years Barefoot Festival

Barefoot Festival 2025 | Facebook

Barefoot Walks London

A group for barefooters in London

Barefoot Walks London | Meetup

Barefooting on BBC!

Barefoot on BBC!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c984jvlnrelo

Finding Your Calm Space: Walking Barefoot on the Earth

 

Finding Your Calm Space: Walking Barefoot on the Earth

Walking barefoot connects us to the calming security of the earth.  Whether you think of this as a spiritual grounding or simply a physical pleasure, the soles of our feet can tread a pathway to calm.

Walking barefoot along a beach

I love beaches.  I love sand and shingle and rocks.  Walking barefoot along a beach rests my heart and lifts my soul.  It is one of my favourite things to do in the world.

When I was a little girl, my Dad used to tell me that anyone who was born in Brighton has an innate ability to walk barefoot on a pebbly beach without pain.  My Dad and I were both born in Brighton.  He passed away years ago, but to this day I remember him and smile whenever I am picking my uncomfortable way across shingle in bare feet.  I tell myself it is true, and I feel special.  I am a child of the beach.  I belong here.

Holy Ground

Many faiths and traditions share a deep sense that the ground is holy.  Native Americans and many indigenous peoples believe that Mother Earth is a sacred, living being. [i]Walking barefoot connects us directly to the energy of the earth. 

In India and the Middle East, worshippers in mosques, churches and synagogues remove their shoes before entering a sacred space to pray.  This is connected with ideas of cleanliness and purity.  In some traditions, pilgrims walk holy paths barefoot as a sign of their dedication and love.  In the Bible, God tells Moses to take off his shoes in the Divine presence, because he is standing on holy ground.

Feet are amazing

Our feet are remarkable. One quarter of all your bones are in your feet.  Together with a complex network of tendons, muscles and ligaments, these bones allow you to walk, run and dance with stability and balance.  If the bones in your feet are out of alignment, the rest of the body will suffer.  Your feet also have 250,000 sweat glands, and over 14,000 nerve endings in each foot. They are incredibly sensitive and adapt to a range of surfaces to keep you upright and safe. [ii]  Any damage to the nerve endings in the feet can have serious consequences[iii].

Walking barefoot for health

Walking barefoot has plenty of health benefits.  Many people believe that direct barefoot connection to the earth, often described as “grounding”, can connect us to the earth’s free electrons and stabilise many body systems.  You can read more about the research and thinking behind this in my More Information links below.

There is growing evidence, both anecdotal and from scientific studies, that regular barefoot walking is good for us.  It can help with chronic pain and inflammation, improving sleep, strengthening the immune system, reducing anxiety, preventing period pains and hormonal imbalances and improving energy levels[iv].  We are not yet sure exactly how this works, but it seems to be powerful.  I know from my own experience that a simple barefoot walk on grass or sand can make me feel so much better and calmer.

Reflexology

As a practising Reflexologist and enthusiastic Reflexology client, I know that the same benefits available from walking barefoot come from Reflexology too.  This is not surprising.  Our feet are intimately connected to the wellbeing of the entire body and mind.  Massage and stimulation of the reflex points on the feet is one of the most reliable ways to relax into the parasympathetic state of calm.  It is restful and healing for the whole person. 

Honouring a sacred space

There is something special about walking barefoot in a favourite place.  Whether it is the damp grass in your garden at dawn, or the sand on a quiet beach, feeling the surface beneath your feet can help you feel connected.  Some people like to walk around the boundaries of a space which is significant to them.  Just as animals mark territory, so we can enhance our inner sense of security by honouring a place where we feel we belong.

Feeling free

Taking off my shoes makes me feel free.  That barefoot feeling instantly connects me to my inner child.  Footwear can subtly symbolise all the constraints of our modern lives and daily commitments.  Sometimes just removing your shoes and socks and wriggling your toes in mud or grass is enough to create a complete sense of liberation.

Some schools of Yoga insist that practice must always be barefoot, to ensure a balanced sense of connection.  I love practising Sun Salutations on the lawn in bare feet.  The cool of the dew in early morning is so refreshing.

Better foot health – and injuries?

There is evidence that walking barefoot can strengthen the bones and arches in your feet, as well as giving your lower leg muscles a good workout.  However the debate about walking substantial distances or running barefoot is complex.  Some people swear by barefoot running, but it can also cause injuries[v].  I developed plantar fasciitis when I tried barefoot running, so I would sound a note of caution here. 

I would recommend walking only short distances barefoot, and on safe surfaces.  Avoid walking barefoot if you have any foot injuries or damage to the nerves in your feet or lower legs.  Always inspect your feet and wash them after a barefoot experience.  We have shoes for good reasons, and we should be grateful for them!

Give it a try!

For today’s calm practice, take off your shoes and socks and feel the earth under your feet.  If possible, take a short barefoot walk around your garden, or in a park or on a beach.  Walk slowly, and feel all the sensations of the ground under your soles.  Slow down enough to notice how your feet and legs move as you walk.  Breathe gently and enjoy your surroundings.

If you can’t get outdoors, take off your shoes and socks indoors and walk slowly and mindfully around your house.  Keep all your attention on your feet.

Afterwards, sit down or lie down and rest.  Notice how you feel.

Salisbury teenager running the London Marathon barefoot

A SALISBURY teenager is aiming to become the youngest person ever to run the London Marathon barefoot.

Cameron Jacobs is 18 years old and has autism, Tourette's Syndrome and ADHD. He is a very keen runner and this year he is running the London Marathon barefoot with his mum.

Cameron and his mum, Polly Jacobs, who is a 48-year-old GP in Salisbury, have completed many running challenges together and the London Marathon will be their third mum and son charity run, but his first attempt at a long run barefoot.

Full article here - Salisbury teenager running the London Marathon barefoot | Salisbury Journal

Barefoot in the woods

Barefoot in the woods...

https://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2025/04/why-i-walk-barefoot-in-the-woods

 

The Guardian are talking about Grounding

The Guardian are talking about Grounding...

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/19/grounding-proponents-say-it-helps-us-realign-with-the-earths-electric-charge-but-the-claims-dont-land

 

 

Born to Live Barefoot

Another great blog..

Born to Live Barefoot — blog & information about living barefoot

Tips for Barefoot Runners...

 

What is barefoot running?

Barefoot running is exactly what it sounds like: running in your bare feet, skin-to-ground.

However, some shoe companies advertise their minimalist running shoes and sandals as “barefoot” running shoes. This misnomer is a sore spot in the barefoot running community (which I’ll likely address in a future post).

If you don’t know what running sandals are, take a look at Xero, Luna, or Bedrock Sandals. I’ve owned all of them, but I’ve used them mainly for walking and hiking. One of my study participants runs 100 mile races in his sandals, so it’s definitely doable to run in these sandals, especially if you run trails. They are all refreshingly light, pliable, and comfortable.

Is barefoot running still a thing?

In 2009, Born to Run, was published. It is a nonfiction narrative by Christopher McDougall, recounting the author’s search to understand why he couldn’t escape running injuries. He suffers injury after injury, and in his quest to run far and free of pain, he ends up meeting various doctors, coaches, ultramarathoners, barefoot runners, and the Tarahumara people of Mexico, considered the greatest long distance runners ever, (and they run in sandals). The book culminates with an ultramarathon through the Copper Canyons of Mexico pitting the Tarahumara with the best American ultramarathoners, and of course, the author himself.

The publication of Born to Run marks a distinct moment in running. It is the metaphorical pebble that caused ripples throughout the running community, and it caused runners everywhere to question what they were wearing on their feet.

It’s a great read whether or not you run, and I highly recommend it.

Last year, McDougall and Eric Orton (his coach) released a follow-up book, Born to Run 2. If barefoot running was just a fad, it’s one that refuses to die. Born to Run 2 is the handbook or training guide to the first book. It teaches runners how to run and avoid injuries. After all, other sports teach technique for best performance, why not running?

About the barefoot runners in my study

I asked thirty-three runners who identified as barefoot runners about their unique running approach. All had run foot-to-ground extensively. Many were still pure barefoot runners. Others ran barefoot only during the warmer months. Finally, some only ran barefoot occasionally and instead ran in sandals or minimalist running shoes most of the time.

I had a lot of questions for the study participants, but generally I wanted to understand how these runners sustained their running practice while being on the fringe of a much larger running community. In other words, what drove them to try barefoot running and why do they stick with it?

I’ll share the answers in a series of blog posts. Specifically, I’ll share the takeaways of my interviews, gleaning what is important for all runners.

And, by the way, if you’re not a runner, you’ll still benefit from the advice below.

The only criteria for being a participant in my study was you had to have run completely barefoot at some point in your running career.

The study participants ranged in age from their 20s to their 70s. The largest age group were those in their 50s, followed by 60. Besides six participants outside the United States, the participants resided in all regions of the continental United States.

Although I did not explicitly ask about occupations, many participants revealed their jobs in the interviews. For instance, I interviewed professors, doctors, teachers, a pilot, a realtor, an entrepreneur, and a stay-at-home mother.

The demographics shattered any stereotypes I may have been imagining of barefoot runners; namely that they only live in California and work in the natural medicine industry.

This is how the initiation into barefoot running went for most participants, but not all: They were happy shod runners and experienced an injury they couldn’t get past, one that kept recurring. They transitioned slowly into barefoot running, either because they had read about it, by luck, or by desperation. They healed their injury. They either kept running barefoot or started introducing minimalist shoes or sandals into their running.

So what can every runner learn from barefoot runners?

1. Focus on your feet

Sorry, this section doesn’t advocate for more pedicures. With over 20 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments, our feet are complicated and easily prone to problems. Stretching and building the muscles in and around our feet — intentionally using your feet — will improve your running.

It is really surprising how little attention we give our feet as runners until something goes wrong. With the exception of our black toenails — our number one battle scar — our feet stay cozy in the latest running shoe.

Stop putting them in shoes all the time or as one participant called shoes: foot coffins.

Tight hips, hamstring pulls, shin splints, and of course, our runner’s knee get a lot more attention than our feet.

Barefoot runners argue that if you focus on the feet, you might solve some of the other problems as well.

If or when you are afflicted with plantar fasciitis, then your feet will demand your attention. Many of my study participants came to barefoot running because of a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis that simply could not be cured by traditional methods. They had tried everything, and it wasn’t until they took off their shoes entirely that they got some relief.

That story was repeated over and over.

Surprisingly, I witnessed the benefits of taking off your shoes in real time during my research: my colleague (a non-runner) was limping around the office. When I asked her what was going on, she described the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. I told her to look it up, and she agreed that it sounded exactly like what she was suffering from. I told her about the barefoot runners I was interviewing, and she simply smiled and said, “That’s nice” in the sort of dismissive way non-runners listen to runners talk about running. You know, like we’re a cult or something.

A few weeks later I noticed she was back to normal and asked her what she had done. She said, “I took my shoes off as soon as I got home and kept them off through the weekend. There might be something to that research you’re up to.”

Barefoot runners are proud of their incredibly strong feet.

So What is an Earthing Sheet?

Wondering what an earthing sheet is, how it works and if indeed it does work?! This is the post for you. Below I go into a simple explanation of how they work, if they’re effective and my own personal experience with one. Read on!

Curled in a chair, the light long disappeared and my face lit by the glow of the laptop, I carried on down my rabbit hole of looking for a natural mattress that was sustainable and comfortable. On my hunt, something popped up that caught my eye - the Rowland Earthing sheet.

I clicked on the link and my eyes snapped to the streamline: “Harness the Earths energy while you sleep”. YES! Said my brain, I need some of this in my life. It’s not like you can get enough of nature. But the (newly) careful spender in me wondered if it was something I really needed.

As I browsed the mostly glowing reviews I was more and more convinced I’d be needing one of these sheets in my life - most reported better nights sleep and reduced pain with some even saying their chronic pain had cleared up since using one.

Get an Earthing Sheet

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What is grounding and what are the benefits?

The earth’s surface is covered by a blanket of electrons - these electrons are incredibly healing and can act as anti inflammatories and antioxidants within our bodies. Every time we come into contact with the earths ‘ground’ we are able to absorb these electrons through a process called grounding or earthing. This is why you see people saying that walking bare food through nature is good for us - it’s because we’re coming into contact with these negatively charged electrons that help us to neutralise and prevent a build up of positive free electrons.

As we have evolved we are spending less time with our hands in the dirt growing vegetables and harvesting food - this would have been our main exposure to these negative electrons. As we have become less and less exposed to nature in favour of high rise office blocks, commuting in cars and trains and also more exposed to man made pollutants such as wifi, mobile phones, pollution and much more we are more disconnected from the earths healing powers as we have ever been.

There is a really fascinating film on grounding here or if you don’t have a Vimeo account scroll down on the homepage.

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So what is an Earthing Sheet?

The earthing sheet is a cotton sheet that lies over your bed and is plugged into a normal wall socket - the plug from the sheet only connects to your earthing pin so no electricity is involved. The silver thread woven through the sheet then conducts the grounding electrons through the sheet and delivers it to you.

The idea is that you’re in contact with the earths grounding energy throughout the night, increasing your sleep and reducing inflammation.

Rowland do two sheets - the original and the organic. Pictured is the organic sheet that is made from organic material and has less impact on the earth in it’s manufacturing process.

Let's address the elephant in the room...

So I doubt many of the readers or contributors to this blog are interested in foot fetishism, however I'm sure we are all not naive enough to ignore the fact that it exists, so if that's what you are here for, we are sorry to disappoint - however if you are curious about foot fetishism here is an extract from a very well written and accessible piece;

From a wonderful article in Glamour available here...

https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/foot-fetishes

Are foot fetishes normal?

The simplest answer is: Yes. Foot fetishes are normal. All fetishes are normal, as long as everyone involved in putting them into IRL action is a consenting, sober adult. We live in a sex-negative culture that demonises anything that falls outside of heterosexual, vanilla (PIV intercourse) sex. A fetish? Phew. That sure shakes the hell out of our puritanical roots.

Foot fetishes are incredibly common. This is likely due to the accessibility of feet (we all have them), as well as the pleasure experienced when having one’s feet touched. “There are a lot of nerve endings in the feet so it's actually not surprising that we would also be aroused by seeing other people’s feet. The way they look, the way they are adorned, and the way we want to worship and/or touch them” are all understandable from a pyschological perspective, says  Moushumi Ghose, MFT, a licensed sex therapist.

Can earthing make you feel grounded, calm and centred?

 Can earthing make you feel grounded, calm and centred?

Words by Carlie Barlow, health & wellbeing expert

In theory, in our technology-driven world, we’re more connected than ever before. From social media to messaging apps, we can tap into different networks whenever we want. So why is it so easy to sometimes feel disconnected – from ourselves, from nature and from a sense of inner peace? The concept of ‘earthing’, also known as grounding, has gained traction as a potential remedy for this modern malaise.

But what exactly is earthing, and does it truly deliver on its promises of grounding, calm, and centredness?

What is earthing?

Earthing, simply put, involves connecting your body directly with the Earth’s surface. This can be done by walking barefoot on grass, sand or soil, or by sitting or lying on the ground. Proponents of earthing believe that the Earth’s natural negative ions can neutralise harmful free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation and improving overall health.

The science behind earthing

While the concept of earthing is intriguing, scientific research on the topic is still relatively limited. Some studies suggest potential benefits, such as improved sleep, reduced pain and decreased inflammation. However, more robust research is needed to establish definitive conclusions.

It’s important to note that while earthing may offer some benefits, it’s not a miracle cure. Other factors, such as diet, exercise, stress management, and overall lifestyle, also play crucial roles in wellbeing.

The experience of earthing

Even without concrete scientific proof, some people report feeling more grounded, calm and centred after spending time in direct contact with the Earth. There’s a sense of reconnection with nature that can be profoundly soothing.

What’s more, the opportunity to slow down, disconnect from technology, and simply be present in the moment can have a powerful impact on mental and emotional wellbeing.

How to incorporate earthing into your life

If you’re curious about trying earthing, there are several ways to incorporate it into your daily routine:

• Walking barefoot: Whenever possible, take off your shoes and connect with the Earth. Whether it’s in your back garden, at the beach or in a park, spending time barefoot can be a simple yet effective way to ground yourself.
• Gardening: This is a wonderful way to combine physical activity with earthing. Get your hands in the soil and connect with nature.
• Yoga or meditating outdoors: Practise yoga or meditation in a natural setting to enhance your connection with the Earth.
• Try earthing products: If you can’t spend as much time outdoors as you’d like, consider using earthing products such as grounding mats or sheets. These are designed to mimic the effect of direct connection with the Earth.

Beyond earthing: How to feel grounded

While earthing can be a valuable tool, it’s essential to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle – and it’s certainly not the only way to rediscover your sense of connection. To cultivate a lasting sense of grounded-ness, consider incorporating the following practices into your life:

• Mindfulness: Focus on being present in the moment and accepting your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
• Deep breathing: Regular deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind and body.
• Yoga or Tai Chi: These practices can improve flexibility, balance and overall wellbeing.
• Spending time in nature: Even if you can’t walk barefoot, spending time outdoors can be beneficial for your mental health.
• Building strong relationships: Connecting with loved ones provides a sense of support and belonging.

Ultimately, the key to feeling grounded, calm and centred is finding what works best for you. Experiment with different approaches and discover what helps you create a sense of inner peace and balance.

Remember, it’s about connecting with yourself and the world around you, one step at a time.

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