Nature: Unfiltered

EARTH

I will readily admit that I am not a winter person. I only know a handful of people who really enjoy the winter and the cold. Not me though, spring, summer, and fall all the way! Since we are right around the corner from glorious weather and ample chances to enjoy the outdoors I want to talk about some common misconceptions that come hand in hand with these seasons, namely our attitudes towards nature and our persistent need to guard ourselves from it. 

I've broken it down into three main topics (and one bonus one!) that are the subject of much controversy. I call them my three best friends because really, that's what they are, contrary to what most people believe. Theses topics are the earth, the air, and the sun. 

Lets start with the earth. Along with the industrial revolution and and the discovery of germs and microbes came an immense fear of being unclean and anything that could potentially render our bodies as such. This included the earth, namely dirt. What people fail to realize is that the whole premise for things like hand sanitizers and antibiotics is that our bodies are supposedly sterile! This is completely untrue. Don't freak out. Your body is the host and environment for millions on happy little bacteria that sustain you and keep you healthy. Bacteria is not a bad word. Although it has become taboo in our society it can refer to very good and helpful creaturs or bad ones. One of the greatest sources of good bacteria is the dirt. But to take advantage of these we must come in contact with the dirt and not be afraid of it. We must nurture it as well so that it may nurture us! Although that is a whole other topic. I would suggest spending as much time as possible barefoot and outdoors so that you feet may come in contact and collect these little helpful organisms. Another advantage to this is that it exercises your immune system by sometimes coming in contact with harmful bacteria that your body has to fight off. Your immune system needs to be exercised and worked out to function properly, the same as your muscles and mind. If it is not exercised it will become weak and you will not be able to fight off anything! Coming in contact with the ground also purifies the blood and balances our nervous system. 

We must also take into consideration something called "earthing" or "grounding". I know what you're thinking, what kind of hooky kooky thing is earthing?!? Let me explain, it's not magical or spiritual (although it can be spiritual, coming in contact with the bare earth may indeed remind us of what an amazing creator we have!), rather it is quite scientific. Basically, the earth is electrical. Our bodies are made up of 60% water which is very good at conducting electricity. The earth has a negative ionic charge and when we connect ourselves to the earth we gain this negative ionic charge. Negative ions are used by our bodies for  detoxifing, calming, reducing inflammation, synchronising your internal clocks, hormonal cycles and physiological rhythm. They are essential for healthy living. Things like computers, cell phones, and other common electrical devices suck these negative ions right out of our bodies! When our bare skin comes in contact with bare ground we are gaining these ions and through them positive energy (again, not hooky kooky energy, real energy) from the earth. This is perhaps the most taken for granted but also the most effective treatment for everything under the sun. Being disconnected from this energy can cause problems ranging from minor sleep issues to chronic fatigue and chronic pain! In the old days people slept on the ground, they went without shoes or wore shoes made of leather (which doesn't block energy) but these days we live in a rubber insulated world and have little contact with the earth. It is vastly important to become grounded and connected with the earth. Try it! Spend 30 minutes or more a day with your bare feet on the bare earth and I know you will feel a difference! I definitely do! Best of all, earthing is safe for everyone! 

Walking and even running barefoot also has many more health benefits including free reflexology, strengthening and stretching the muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet, ankles and calves but again, that's another topic. 

So give it a try this spring and summer! Toss those flip flops back in your closet and dig your toes into the ground as much as you can. Make it a point to have some quality time with the earth
unfiltered and unadulterated. Don't be afraid of the earth, learn to love it!