Engaging With Nature
Earthing
The Earth and everything in nature have an electrical frequency that can help raise your vibration and ease stress. When we aren't connected to the Earth, we can lose our bearings and develop stressful symptoms. Grounding, also known as Earthing, is a stress management technique that relies on Earth's electrical charges to enhance cellular function, calm the heart, reduce pain and fatigue by influencing the healing process, and improve mood by connecting to the Earth. One of the best things you can do is spend 20-30 minutes outdoors in nature to absorb these energies and become more grounded and relaxed. This can help you avoid herpes outbreaks.
- Walk barefoot. Modern shoes tend to have rubber soles, which prevent you from grounding to the Earth. Walking barefoot in the sand, grass, and even through a riverbed will help your body absorb the Earth's energy.
- Lie on the grass in your yard, in a park, or at the beach, and soak up the Earth's energy. It's okay to lie on top of a sheet or blanket. Fabrics should be 100% natural, though, including those used in your clothing. Polyester and latex materials may block the Earth's energy. Take your shoes off. Relax or take a nap.
- Go wading or swimming in a clear lake, slow-moving river, or ocean. Dance in the pouring rain. Water is a natural relaxer. Salt washes away negativity and impurities. You might visit a hot spring for a warm mineral soak.
- Forest bathing is a term for Shinrin-Yoku, which involves immersing oneself in the forest through mindful walking, hiking, or simply sitting quietly to absorb its energy. When you breathe in the microbiome of the forest floor, you feed your microbiome and nourish your immunity.
- Open a window or go outside to a quiet spot and listen to birdsong, water flowing, the wind blowing, and bees buzzing. Close your eyes, relax, and listen to the sounds of nature, a form of mindful meditation, by the way. You can find nature soundtracks on YouTube.com.
Spend Time With a Pet
If you have a pet, take the time to engage with them fully. Run, play, and talk to your pet; reward your friend for loving you unconditionally. If you don't have a pet, consider visiting someone who does and share some love.
Collect Rain
Collect rain in cups, buckets, or rain barrels. Rain barrels may be illegal in some states, but there's no law saying you can't leave pots in your yard (that I'm aware of). Use winter rain for courage and endurance, Spring rain for love and attraction, Summer rain for playfulness and sexiness, and Fall rain for enthusiasm, thankfulness, and closure. Use leftover rainwater for watering plants or as a hair rinse after shampooing. It makes hair so very soft!
Sprinkle Sand
Sprinkle sand to bring like-minded people into your life. Sprinkle it in your plant pots and watch your friendships grow, or place sand under candles or seashells (or both) as an attractive centerpiece.
Hang Nature Photos
Placing nature-themed pictures or paintings in your home or office can be soothing to the soul. However, unless they evoke happy memories, it is best to avoid placing photographs of ice, snow, crashing waves, or parched deserts in your environment. Instead, stick with images or paintings of trees, fields, calm waters, plant life, fruit, flowers, or calm wildlife. The idea here is to nurture, not to threaten.
Eat Something Fresh and Natural
Eat something fresh and natural every single day, such as an apple, blackberries, or sweet peas, to experience the taste of nature.
Use Natural Materials in Your Home
Natural materials used in your home can also help you feel grounded. Add wicker to the kitchen, driftwood to your porch, a waterfountain or aquarium on a corner table, or flowers to your coffee table.
Plants & Flowers
Bringing plants into your home or adding a few potted herbs to your windowsill can help purify the air of harmful electromagnetic energies and increase oxygen levels. Options include English ivy, Spider plant, Bamboo palm, Dwarf date, Boston fern, Peace lily, Schefflera, Rubber plant, and Janet Craig dracaena. However, make sure to do your research, as some plants can be toxic to animals.
Flowers and grasses are eye candy. But if you are allergic to flowers and grasses, consider visiting an arts-and-crafts store to purchase silk flowers and plants for an arrangement. They can be just as beautiful and, in the long run, less expensive. Just be sure to keep them clean. When they fade, replace them. Never use dried flowers and plants to decorate your home. Some are beautiful, but they are "dead" and offer no positive energy. If you wish to dry flowers and save them as keepsakes, consider choosing a specific container or display case.
Grow Herbs
Take a trip to a garden center and choose a few of your favorite herbs to grow in your kitchen. Herbs add a bit of charm to a kitchen. They can be clipped and added to your favorite dishes as they grow.
Plant a Tree
Plant a tree in your yard, on your deck, or on your balcony. As long as you have space, you can add beauty and romance to your world for the small price of watering. When planting in a pot, consider the size of your tree when it matures. Aim for smaller trees or ones that can be manicured. When planting in the ground, keep your tree at a safe distance from pipes and your septic tank. Some trees, such as willows, have tiny roots that can penetrate the smallest spaces. As they grow, they can strangle septic tanks and split pipes wide open.
Decorate With Willow Branches
Have you seen those wonderful, curly, naked branches in gift shops that have crystals or tree ornaments hanging from them? They are often willow or grapevine branches. As mentioned, dead flowers and plants can bring negative energy into the home, but willow is an exception. It can help you adjust to new situations. When out in nature, standing under a willow tree can strengthen you. Tell the willow your problems. It will offer much wisdom. Be sure to thank the willow if you remove a small branch or a few leaves.
Place Stones & Crystals
A unique bowl filled with rocks, gemstones, and crystals can be left within view anywhere in your home or office. It's a beautiful reminder of nature, and these stones are said to absorb negative energies. Larger crystals can be placed around your computer to help reduce harmful EMFs (electromagnetic fields). Also, see HSV Witchery for information on stones and crystals, their meanings, and more.
Seashells
A basket of seashells is a gentle reminder of nature. Passing a basket of seashells is uplifting. Entryways, bathrooms, desks, and coffee tables are excellent places to set a basket of shells. You can also place shells in clear jars and vases.
Also, see Creating Healthy Spaces.
