Grounding and Protecting Skills: Shielding and Centering
We humans weren’t truly ‘designed’ to face the fast-pace and stresses in the modern world — necessitating methods/tools to maintain emotional balance, mental clarity, and a sense of personal safety — or be stressed, wear down, burn out, turn to vices to cope, etc.
This is a continuation topic on that train of thought, today exploring practices which have gained popularity in various spiritual and self-help communities - which I only learned about myself in the last year - "grounding" and "shielding." These techniques, often used in conjunction with "centering," are said to help individuals manage their energy, emotions, and interactions with others. While these practices are not [yet] scientifically proven in the traditional sense, many practitioners report significant benefits from their regular use.
Background: Historical and Cultural Context
The concepts of grounding, shielding, and centering have roots in various spiritual and esoteric traditions, including:
1. Native American spirituality, which emphasizes connection with the earth
2. Eastern practices like qigong and tai chi, which focus on energy manipulation
3. Western esoteric traditions, such as ceremonial magic and neo-paganism
Understanding the Concepts
Grounding
Grounding refers to the practice of connecting oneself energetically to the earth. Those who practice believe this helps to:
- Stabilize one's energy
- Release excess or negative energy
- Increase feelings of safety and stability
Shielding
Shielding is the practice of creating a protective energetic barrier around oneself. Practitioners believe this can:
- Protect from negative external energies
- Maintain personal boundaries
- Enhance emotional stability
Centering
Centering is the practice of aligning oneself with one's core or center of being. This is believed to:
- Improve focus and concentration
- Enhance decision-making abilities
- Increase overall well-being
Incorporating These Practices into Daily Life
Grounding Techniques
1. Visualization: Imagine roots growing from your feet into the earth - or that there are electrical conductors connecting the bottoms of your feet with the receptors on the ground.
2. Physical contact: Walk barefoot on grass or soil.
3. Breathing exercises: Focus on deep, slow breaths* while imagining energy flowing between you and the earth (like the electromagnetic wave diagrams you might remember if you had that topic in science classes). Consider combining this with the 4-7-8 breathing technique.
Shielding Techniques
1. Visualization: Imagine a protective bubble or sphere of light surrounding you. (Or an imaginary lead wall that keeps unwanted energy away)
2. Affirmations: Use phrases like "I am protected" or "I am safe" while visualizing your shield. (Or phrases derived from quotes like “why don’t you make like a tree, and get out of here” )
3. Object association: Carry or wear an object that reminds you of your shield. (i.e. a bracelet)
Centering Techniques
1. Meditation: Practice mindfulness or focused meditation daily.
2. Body awareness: Regularly check in with your physical sensations and posture.
3. Breath focus: Use your breath as an anchor to bring your attention to your center.
Toward Wellth’s Support and Teaching
The vision for Toward Wellth includes teaching and supporting these practices: regular workshops, classes, and other groups (practice circles). Work is underway in designing a mentorship/designated duos/trios support program as part of phase 2 of the facility’s community growth focus. Until that point comes, some of the offered programming will integrate these practices as appropriate (e.g. some yoga instructors incorporate grounding, shielding, and centering into their classes)
Benefits and Limitations
Practitioners report various benefits from regular use of these techniques, however, I realized it’s been a few months since making a reminder that these practices covered on the TW Substack are complimentary to, not substitutes for, professional medical and mental health care.
If you enjoy these posts, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. All posts are free, and will continue to be free. All proceeds from subscriptions go to pay for startup expenses.