TO YOUR HEALTH
Grounding... ...continued from page 19
having too much caffeine — like a cat on a hot tin roof! But how you feel is very individual, so being ungrounded may not feel as dramatic for you. You might not even notice. Ways to Get Grounded Naturally, the demand for connection has led to the creation of many consumer products designed to assist us with grounding. These include grounding mats and sheets for sleeping, grounding seat mats for working at a computer, ankle and wrist bands, patches, socks, and footwear. Each of these products connects you to the Earth either through a cord plugged into a grounded wall outlet or by attaching it to a grounding rod placed in the soil outside. For clients and students, I often suggest that walking barefoot on grass daily is the most cost-effective option for grounding. If this is not possible because of factors such as living in a high-rise apartment, an alternative is to purchase a bag of organic soil typically for indoor use, which can provide similar brief contact opportunities. Not only does soil offer grounding benefits, but research suggests it might be a natural antidepressant, too. Remember: a little dirt can go a long way with grounding! While studies suggest grounding may have potential benefits, fur - ther research is necessary to fully understand the effects and benefits of earthing, and the underlying mechanisms that lead us to a more balanced, healthy life. In the meantime, take off your EVA Crocs and polyester socks and go for a walk on the grass! You’ll thank me. Annie Larson, a psychic medium, is a sought-after speaker, reader, teacher, and healer who has been featured in TV, radio, podcasts, magazines, and newspapers, including The Washington Post. She meets clients and students in-person in her office in Sterling, Virginia, via phone, and online. She hosts immersive retreats to help those looking to explore individual abilities. Join her October 24-26, 2025, for “Your Soul’s Purpose Exploration Retreat.” www.MediumAnnieLarson.com
shoes. In 1975, Brooks, a company that specializes in athletic running shoes, pioneered the use of EVA in their Villanova running shoes. Oth- er companies followed suit, and athletic shoes underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of artificial materials. This rev - olution spilled over into the manufacturing of all casual footwear. If you are wearing Crocs shoes, they are made entirely of EVA. Unfortu- nately, synthetic footwear acts as an insulator that blocks our natural connection to Mother Earth and the flow of electrons. It is not just our shoes that create a disconnect. Our apparel, fur - niture, and even the beds we sleep on have synthetic materials like polyester. Our contemporary lifestyles distance us from nature. We live in concrete-centric urban areas and cities, often in high-rise build- ings. Instead of walking, we drive or use public transportation to get around. Even when we walk, we wear shoes made of EVA! We have become indoor creatures, spending minimal time outside. We no lon- ger tend backyard gardens, missing the chance to touch the soil and grow our own food. We remain indoors, absorbed in TV, computers, and video games. Our phones and social media consume our atten- tion. Over time, this disconnection from Mother Earth leads to the accumulation of a negative charge, which emerging scientific research suggests affects our well-being. Being ungrounded can feel like a sense of disconnection from your- self, your surroundings, others, and potentially even reality. You might experience spaciness or anxiety, with your mind and body feel- ing out of sync. You could find yourself lost in thought, overwhelmed, or consumed with intense emotions and worries. It’s as if you’re out of harmony with the world around you. I compare it to how I feel after
20—PATHWAYS—Fall 25
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