Earthing: Remembering Our Place on the Ground Beneath Us
There’s something sacred about bare feet on soil.
In a world that often pulls us upward—into our heads, into screens, into speed—Earthing invites us to come back down. Back into our bodies. Back into the ground that has always held us.
At its heart, Earthing is the simple act of reconnecting with the Earth through direct physical contact: feet to forest floor, palms on stone, spine against the trunk of an old tree. It may sound simple—because it is—but the effects are quietly profound.
Earthing reminds us:
We belong here.
What is Earthing, Really?
Also known as "grounding," Earthing refers to the practice of making skin-to-earth contact, allowing the body to receive the subtle, balancing energy of the Earth’s surface. Modern research has even begun to explore how this connection may reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and regulate the nervous system.
But long before studies and science, our ancestors knew this in their bones.
They walked barefoot, slept close to the earth, and understood that the land was not just beneath them—but part of them.
Here’s a peer-reviewed article that explores the physiological and therapeutic effects of Earthing:
This study discusses how skin-to-earth contact may help reduce inflammation, improve sleep, balance cortisol levels, and enhance overall well-being.
Earthing as a Soft Practice
At Friends of the Forest, Earthing is not something we “do.” It’s something we allow.
It’s lying back in the grass without needing a reason.
It’s letting the soles of your feet press into the moss as you walk slowly through pine-scented paths.
It’s leaning against a tree not for support, but for companionship.
It’s a pause in the doing—and a return to simply being.
A Portal to Presence
In many ways, Earthing is a doorway. A gentle, accessible way to step out of mental noise and back into the body. Back into breath. Back into the quiet intelligence of nature that speaks in stillness.
You might notice birdsong more vividly.
Feel your heart slow its pace.
Realize you’re not just on Earth—you’re with her.
And in that subtle shift, something beautiful happens.
You remember you’re not separate.
You’re home.
An Invitation
If it’s been a while since your feet touched soil or you felt the cool hum of the Earth beneath you, you are warmly invited to join us in this soft remembering.
Whether through a guided forest walk, a barefoot meadow gathering, or a solo moment beneath a tree—Earthing is always available. You don’t need special gear or a particular mindset.
Just willingness.
Just presence.
Just you, and the ground beneath you.
“There is no Wi-Fi in the forest, but I promise you will find a better connection.”
– Unknown