Some seasons of life pull the ground out from under you. One moment you’re building a life you believe will last forever, and the next, you’re standing in the rubble of promises you thought were unbreakable.

For me, the end of my marriage came with a tangle of grief, shock, and betrayal. I didn’t know how to steady myself in the waves of it all. Some days, even breathing felt like a choice I had to consciously make.

That’s when I started searching for anything that could help me anchor—books, meditations, late‑night YouTube deep dives. In the middle of one of those searches, I stumbled onto the concept of grounding.

It was simple.
Step outside barefoot.
Let your soles meet the earth.
Breathe.
Imagine sending your pain, your hopes, your vision for the life you want, into the ground beneath you.

At first, I thought it sounded a little too simple for the heaviness I was carrying. But I was desperate for something—anything—that could hold me steady. So one morning, I tried it.

The grass was cold. The earth felt both soft and firm beneath my feet. My chest loosened just enough to let a full breath in. I kept going back each morning, not because the pain disappeared overnight, but because something shifted. I felt a little less untethered, a little more like myself.

It wasn’t magic. It didn’t erase what happened. But it gave me space—space to feel, to breathe, and to remember that even when life cracks open, there’s still something steady beneath you.

Grounding became my quiet ritual of self‑return. Each morning, I reminded myself: I am still here. I will grow through this.

If you’re in a season where everything feels uncertain, maybe try it. Put your feet to the earth. Let it hold some of what you’re carrying.

Sometimes healing starts with just one steady step.

Disclaimer:
This post is a personal reflection on my own healing journey. It is not intended to criticize or make statements about any other person. My focus is on my lived experience and the tools that supported my healing.

The Science Behind It

My emotional experience with grounding felt powerful—but there’s also science that offers insight into why.

Grounding, also known as earthing, is the practice of direct skin contact with the Earth’s surface—such as walking barefoot on grass, soil, or sand—or through conductive devices like grounding mats.

Research has shown potential benefits:

• Changes in inflammatory markers: Grounding has been linked to measurable shifts in white blood cells, cytokines, and other molecules tied to inflammation.
• Pain reduction: Studies show that grounded participants recover from induced muscle soreness more quickly and report less pain than those who are ungrounded.
• Immune and healing support: Grounding may accelerate wound healing and support immune responses.

Possible mechanisms:
Scientists believe grounding allows electrons from the Earth to flow into the body, neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress—helping the body lower inflammation and repair tissues.

While research is still developing, this connection between Earth and body offers a compelling lens for understanding why a practice as simple as standing barefoot in the grass can bring both physical and emotional steadiness.

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Grounding is still something I reach for whenever life feels too heavy—whether it’s navigating divorce negotiations or choosing compromise so I can close this chapter and move forward.

Like the lotus leaf, I’ve learned that what lands on me doesn’t have to stay. With time, it rolls away, and I remain—rooted, steady, and still reaching toward the light.