Some simplified definitions before we begin:  Grounding allows an individual to connect with the earth, and to renew one’s personal energies while at the same time removing any negative energy(s) that they have.  Centering, on the other hand, pulls the awareness into self and allows the energy to flow freely within the body, mind, and spirit.

Centering allows us to bring a balance to the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.  It also allows you to know what's going on with your being.   Energy flows between these aspects so that each aspect interacts with the others.  Centering opens up your true self for full awareness and discovery.

Grounding allows the individual to connect with the life forces around, and reaffirms that each is part of the whole.  During the course of daily living, the body can become drained of energy, leaving a feeling of emptiness and exhaustion.  But the body can also be excessively full of energy; so much so that it can affect not only the individual but others as well.

Grounding reminds us that we are not infallible, that we have limits within our physical selves.  By recognizing the need to ground excess energy, to remove negative energy, or to even recharge, we bring ourselves into greater awareness of the life forces connecting all.

So, when should you center and ground?  Before, during and after you do any work in which you will be raising energy.  Before you do work, it is important to center and ground to remove unbalanced energies that will affect the nature of the work being done.  It replenishes you and opens all aspects of your being so that you are fully participating.  During the working, centering and grounding allows you to remain focused upon the intent of the working.  Centering and grounding afterwards returns the unused energy to the earth.

In addition, you should center and ground any time you feel drained, or overcharged.  You should ground when experiencing intense emotional responses such as anger, grief, or fear.  Or you can ground just to feel connected with the earth.  And you can center just to bring all three aspects of your being into balance and awareness.

Below are the techniques I have used to center and ground.  But before we get there, I know that some will want to know what they’ll feel so that they know they’ve properly done it.  The answer - I can’t tell you.  Each person experiences the sensations in a different manner, and only you will know the answer.  What I can tell you is that your senses will become more aware, and you will have more awareness of the physical processes going on in your body.  Beyond that, well, with practice you’ll know when you’re properly centered and grounded.

Also, don’t rush the exercises.  When you first begin, it will take time to achieve these states.  In time, however, centering and grounding will be a fairly quick procedure.  But that only comes with practice, practice, practice.

CENTERING EXERCISE
Find a quiet area.  Sit comfortably in a chair, keeping your back straight.  If you prefer, softly play music in the background.  Once comfortable, close your eyes.  Take several deep breaths, breathing through the nose and slowly exhaling through your mouth.  Continue breathing, paying attention to each breath as the air moves in and out of your body.

Tense your toes, feeling the tension moving up throughout your body, all while maintaining your breathing.  Once your body is fully tense, relax beginning with the toes.   While doing this, if concerns of the day come up, push them aside from your mind.  Let the tensions of the day ooze out of your body.

Once you have settled, look within yourself to find your center focal point.  For some, this may be the navel while others may look to their third eye.  If you have difficulty identifying this area, determine where it is you focus when you daydream; it is the same place.

Once you’ve centered, and begin pulling the energy into the center of your being.  Check to see if there is any negative energy.  If from an outside source, eliminate the tie to you.  From that point, gently release the energy to flow through the body, feeling it move as it is released.  Allow your consciousness to move freely throughout the body until you have found a place of balance and quiet, keeping all thoughts of the outside world away.  Once you’ve achieved this, you have centered your focus and brought yourself into balance.
 

GROUNDING EXERCISE
As you relax, imagine that you have become a tree, with a root growing out of your tail bone reaching deep within the earth.  Your toes and hands are extensions of that root systems.  Allow the root system to move through the earth towards the core.  Feel the energies of the earth.   About your head, feel leaves and branches reaching up towards the heavens.  Feel the warmth of the sunlight upon you, and rain falling lightly upon the leaves.

At this point, you are being nourished by the earth. Take in the energies you need to replenish yourself.  If necessary, allow excess energy to flow from you to the earth.  Bring yourself into full balance, feeling rested and aware.

PROBLEMS
Occasionally something may happen which will pull you out of a centered and grounded and state.  You may feel disoriented, lightheaded, experience a headache or other physical discomfort.  That’s okay.  Chances are this happened because you weren’t properly centered and/or grounded before the working began.  Your body, mind, and spirit looks out for you and will remove you from any situation which could be harmful.  Take a moment to clear your thoughts, reflect upon whether the working should continue, and then center and ground again.  Center and ground even if you aren’t going to continue the working.  This puts you back into balance.

HOMEWORK
At least once everyday, center and ground.  Practice, practice, practice.
 
 

© 2001 Mother