The Ground that Restores

“The earth that carries us has a mighty power.
It holds the source of life and gives life to all creatures.”
— St. Hildegard of Bingen

Today, as our lives grow increasingly detached from nature — hard shoe soles, concrete beneath our feet, artificial environments all around us — it’s worth remembering what St. Hildegard of Bingen already understood nearly a thousand years ago: contact with the elements of nature, especially the Earth, is fundamental to both physical and spiritual health.

Walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil is more than just pleasant — it’s a deeply healing practice. Modern science confirms that so-called “earthing” or “grounding” — direct contact between our bare feet and the Earth’s natural surface — has numerous health benefits:

• reduces stress and tension
• improves sleep quality
• helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm
• supports circulation and the immune system
• has anti-inflammatory effects
• and helps balance the body’s electrical potential, naturally syncing it with the Earth’s energy.

Though Hildegard didn’t use modern scientific terms, she deeply understood our connection to the Earth. She encouraged not only the use of its gifts (herbs, food), but also being close to it — through gardening, touching soil with bare hands, and drawing from the energy of the Earth element.

Touching the Earth is not just a gesture — it’s a return to the natural order of things.

Just 20 minutes a day — barefoot on morning grass, a walk on the beach, hands immersed in garden soil. The Earth has its own wisdom and rhythm. When we connect with it, our bodies and souls begin to harmonize.

Let this simple practice be your first step toward health, balance, and a life in harmony with nature — just as St. Hildegard taught.

For more information about grounding and its health benefits, visit: www.earthingmovie.com/resources