Earth. Air. Water. Though playing with fire isn’t exactly recommended as a coping technique, heat can be extremely healing. Grounding and earthing are closely related practices. Getting in touch with the elements returns us to our humanity. The prefix hum means of the earth. Feeling a disconnect between our mind and our body can cause us to feel like we are somewhere other than where we are, as if the entity of our being were floating around outside of our own body. Grounding techniques which involve the elements helps us to come back home to ourselves, both our minds, our human body, and our place as a human on earth.
Trauma is any life event which changes our perception of the world we live in, and our place in that world. Standing barefoot in the grass, taking a swim, walking outside in the fresh air, or enjoying the comforting warmth of our fiery sun reminds us that we are, if nothing else, a human being on planet earth. Even the worst of our trauma fails in comparison to our miraculous existence.
Work with clay
Clay therapy is just one of many art therapy applications for coping with trauma. Art therapy is proven to provide a wealth of benefits for recovery of mind and body, including the necessary reduction of stress. An added benefit to working with clay is that it connects you to the earth. Sinking your hands into the clay is a sensory experience, taking you out of your head and sinking you into the realm of the present.
Submerge in water
“I wish you water,” writes Dr. Wallace J. Nichols in his impressively researched book Blue Mind . His extensive amount of information proves a simple point: water heals. Being near water, being in water, looking at water, or even being around the color blue more often is proven to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, bring about a sense of peace and calm, as well as offer a safe space for the healing of trauma.
Deep breathing
Inhale. Exhale. According to certain Eastern philosophies, this is the core of all life. Without breath, we cannot live as human beings on earth. Grounding can be as simple as returning to the breath with deep inhales and deep exhales. Spending time outside in the fresh air is also helpful.
Soak up the sunshine
Some like it hot, some like it cold. Heat is naturally relaxing. Our sun is a burning star, a giant fireball of spitting flames. Standing in the sunshine, when available, grounds us and gives us a dose of Vitamin D which helps us regulate our moods. Standing in the sunshine comes with perspective: we can feel the warmth of the sun from thousands upon thousands of miles away.
Everyone has a story. When you come to The Guest House Ocala, you are welcomed with open arms, no matter what your story is. Our private residential treatment programs offer concierge level customization to plan your recovery from trauma, addictions, and related mental illness. Call us today for information: 1-855-483-7800