Earthing or, Just Go Outside

When was the last time you went outside just to be outside? Not to run to the car? Not to mow the lawn or take out the trash. But to breath, relax and just be with nature? If you can't remember, I'm worried.

At dinner with a friend I was told about "Earthing". (Yes, that is really a word and a new health craze.) I couldn't believe what she was telling me, so I HAD to do my research make sure she wasn't pulling my leg...

"Earthing" is connecting yourself with, well, the earth.  That simple. It's walking barefoot... Yep, that's basically it. (lowers head to hands and gentle nods head in frustration.) They have discovered when you ground yourself with the earth there are, gasp, health benefits. These could and may range from reducing inflammation, chronic pain, muscle tension and headaches to improving sleep, energy and blood pressure, along with others.

I'll get on board with a movement to get people outside. I can encourage people  to explore being barefoot... But... I can not get motivated to have people BUY products that plug into the wall to simulate the feeling of being outside. Everything about that just sounds fishy.

After reading a handful of blogs, promotional information, medical websites and mommy blogs, I have been jumping between speechless and soap-boxing...

1. I can't believe we have become a society that needs scientific proof for why we should go outside. Why aren't we going outside to enjoy life? Why is Inside so much better? When did Outside become something to fear or avoid?
2.  I couldn't find Medical Doctors (even Homeopathic ones) or scientists willing to back it up and agree with the "scientific" reasoning behind this new theory. They only scientific supporters were the ones selling the product. When reading the propaganda, I (the totally non-science person) was even finding contradictive statements. And, one of the main websites "is not responsible or liable for any advice or any other information that you obtain through this website." (If you can't stand behind what you're saying... Then, why should I?)
3. I'm angry that this really is a profit industry hiding behind a free and simple natural occurrences feeding on people's desires and pain. There are books, videos, clothing, and professionals willing to help transform your lifestyle, on this topic. (All for a price, of course.)

I love being barefoot. (I've been nicknamed the Barefoot Designer from clients.) I love being outside. I can't hide my passion for nature; I've tried, people see through it.  This "Earthing" thing scares me and raises so many red flags I can't see clearly.

If you really want all the benefits from being in nature... I invite you to go outside. Breathe the fresh air, absorb some vitamin D from the sun, distress a bit by getting away from your desk, enhance your brain by feeling the wind and the grass. There's so much that comes from being outside.

So, take a break... Take care of yourself... Don't spend any money and just GO OUTSIDE.