Sharon Whiteley

As someone who loves going barefoot, especially outside - in the grass, in a park, even on terrain-friendly hikes- I've been intrigued by Earthing/Grounding for many years. I am aware that a lot of the claims seem like a reach, and once Gwyneth and the folks at Goop got behind grounding, I figured the notion was doomed. But Sharon Whiteley does a good job of bringing the common sense elements of earthing to the forefront here, with an awareness that too much "woo woo" will turn off folks who are self-conscious about seeming too granola, or just being gawked at for strolling around the park or hiking in their bare feet.

The main message here is that we were born this way, and Native Americans - a people who are more atuned to the earth and healing than most of us - understood the value in living with minimal footwear. There is science that backs up the value of earthing, and there is science that rebukes it. I think it all comes down to personal experience. For me, it was simple - time spent in nature, feet on the earth, helped calm my restlessness, my anxiety, and helped me ease chronic insomnia. Of course, I also do yoga, meditate, and make other efforts in these regards so I can't say earthing alone has changed my circumstances, but I can say it - like a handful of kale on a plateful of vegetables - has contributed, and that's good enough for me.

Her presentation is sound. The only apprehension I have is when the use of grounding products is discussed (mats, blankets, etc). I have to remind myself that some people can't get outside, due to their health, the climate, or other mitigating circumstances. These tools may be beneficial to them, but I can't justify tossing $$ at products that try to emulate nature when the outdoors are fairly accessible for me. However, I confess to owning a Vitamin D lamp, because winters in Georgia, while fairly mild, are cloudy and bleak. A sadness washes over me from January to March, and the lamp helps overcome a bit of vitamin deficiency. So, who am I to say if the grounding products work - I just know I am fortunate enough not to need them as long as there are patches of grass or earth and it's at least 40 or 50 degrees outside. (Yes, I'm willing to brave the cold in bare feet.)

Here's to more people discovering - through personal experience - the joys and benefits of earthing. And here's to the wisdom espoused by Sharon Whiteley here. It's common sense guidance for you to take or leave as you please.… (mehr)