Earthing and Outdoor Yoga

Have you ever noticed how refreshing it feels to walk barefoot on grass on a sunny day or stroll along the shoreline at the beach? This is something most people can relate to. Have you heard of the health practice called earthing? Earthing involves connecting your bare feet or hands to the earth, seawater, or plants to discharge the electric charge accumulated in your body.

What is this electric charge in the body?

There are two main sources of electrical charge in the body. The first is static electricity. Synthetic fabrics, which are common in our daily lives, generate static electricity easily through friction. Most of us have experienced that little “zap” when removing clothing or touching an elevator button. The second source is electromagnetic waves. We are constantly surrounded by electrical appliances—smartphones, tablets, computers—both at home and in the office. Whether working online, browsing the web, or checking social media, we are often electrically charged for extended periods. If you keep your phone by your bedside and use it as an alarm clock, chances are you’re still absorbing these charges even while sleeping.

Modern life’s disconnection from nature

In the past, when farming was more common, people naturally discharged this built-up electricity by frequently touching soil and plants. But in today’s world, we walk on asphalt wearing shoes, and our lives are so dominated by electronics that we rarely get the chance to touch the earth or plants directly. When you feel unusually fatigued, struggle to sleep, or have the urge to escape to nature to recharge, it might be a sign that your body needs to release these built-up charges, indicating some imbalance.

Earthing and Outdoor Yoga

When you practice yoga outdoors, moving barefoot allows for natural earthing. While indoor yoga sessions can certainly be grounding and help you focus, outdoor yoga offers a unique sense of freedom. Balancing on uneven sand or trying to fix your gaze with only the open sky in front of you presents its own challenges, but it’s also a great way to strengthen your balance. Although you’ll still be doing poses on your mat, feeling the natural breeze and extending your arms and legs off the mat to touch the earth during savasana (final relaxation) is a perfect way to engage in earthing. You’ll feel your body respond joyfully as it connects with nature’s energy, leaving you mentally refreshed.

Bali may not have many parks, but it has plenty of beaches, and even mountains. You could also practice in the gardens of some beautiful hotels. Just keep in mind that midday at the beach is extremely hot, so early mornings or late afternoons are the best times. Even on crowded beaches, people tend to mind their own business, and you’ll notice that no one is paying much attention to others. I’ve seen a group of young women practicing handstands at my local beach. Whether or not you do yoga, earthing is a free and easy way to boost your health, so I encourage you to kick off your shoes and touch the earth whenever you get the chance!