Exercise 23

Grounding Through the Feet

Put attention in the soles of the feet and press. Attention goes down, and often the heart rate follows.

How to do it

  1. 1

    Stand with feet hip width apart, shoes off if you can.

  2. 2

    Press the big toe, the little toe and the heel of each foot into the floor. Three points each side.

  3. 3

    Keep pressing lightly and notice the floor pushing back.

  4. 4

    Breathe normally. Every out breath, let a little more weight settle down into the feet.

  5. 5

    Stay for ninety seconds. If your mind leaves, go back to the three points.

Use it when
Rising panic, before a difficult conversation, or when you notice you are up in your head and cannot get out.
Watch for
Gripping the floor with the toes. It tightens the calves and defeats the purpose. Press with the whole foot, toes long.