Have you ever wondered… about grounding? I have, and no, I am not talking about the classic punishment parents assign to children who have misbehaved in some fashion. In my opinion, it is a fascinating technique, and it can also be referred to as earthing. If you take some time to settle into nature, then you can begin to access a natural calm that will slowly permeate throughout your body. I know it may sound weird, but why else is nature therapy an existing modality? I believe we feel the least gentle whenever we are disconnected from our own bodies and surroundings. By reconnecting, we can effectively reestablish inner and outer equilibriums that evoke efficient and efficacious emotions instead of feeding more negative loops. I sugjest giving it a try sometime soon. Let your bare feet connect with some soft grass or dirt. Allow your body to feel more than usual.
it is possible to live with kindness and compassion toward yourself and others while also creating healthy boundaries or defending yourself when it is actually necessary. you can be gentle with the world and also protect your own flourishing. instead of resorting to survival mode when life gets hard, reclaim your power by taking your time to respond skillfully.
-yung pueblo
You do not need to take my word for it either. Look at all the benefits and information available through the National Institute of Health. Fair warning: there are some graphic images on this page, so scroll mindfully if open wounds trigger you. Be gentle with it.
How comfortable and gentle are you in an ungrounded state? How engrained are your habits when you go through the same motions daily while expecting things to change or improve? We can get too comfortable, and we can grow too complacent. Gentleness can be discarded and overlooked all too easily. We can distract ourselves with crass cover-ups like unhealthy laughter and hate. I sugjest challenging yourself to be a better person. Ground yourself in a firm path of becoming more gentle and kind. Allow the supportive natural world all around you to boost your self-image and self-worth enough to be confident in being unconventional and individualized. It is not easy, but it is so worth it.
It’s so easy to laugh. It’s so easy to hate. It takes guts to be gentle and kind.
-Steven Morrissey
I believe that none of us are ever truly alone. Sure, we may feel like that from time to time, but that is us getting in our own way. I wonder how much more grounded and interconnected we would all feel if we can all be more gentle… I hope we will try.
Maybe it is wise. Maybe it is dumb. Time will tell. Stay wondrous, y’all <3