Earth & Water Short Preface
I remember as a young Lakota child, watching my family dance each summer under the scorching heat of the South Dakota plains during Sundance ceremony—a sacred and time-honored tradition of the Lakota people. I was captivated by the sight of their bodies adorned with beautiful regalia, but my eyes were always drawn to my mother among the dancers. She would dance for DAYS and not get tired. She was grounded in spirit and body.
Their bare feet connected to the earth beneath them. Each step was a deliberate and reverent act, grounding them to the land that had nurtured my ancestors for countless generations. I would sit in the sweat lodge during those Sundance nights on the bare earth, surrounded by the warmth of my family, and listen to their voices meld in powerful songs that seemed to carry the very essence of our connection to the earth.
My culture and heritage inspired me to write Earth & Water. The Lakota people, indigenous inhabitants of the Great Plains, share a deep spiritual kinship with the earth. They view it as not only a physical entity but as a dynamic, living presence with its own spirit and energy. This earth energy is regarded as a source of healing and rejuvenation that can influence one's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. To them, the earth is a maternal figure, providing sustenance and protection to all forms of life.
Among the central tenets of the Lakota healing philosophy is the practice of grounding. Grounding involves direct electrical contact with the earth, typically through walking barefoot or sleeping on the ground. This practice fosters a powerful connection with the earth's energy, promoting equilibrium and harmony within the individual's body and mind. This connection allows you to access the earth's regenerative powers. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe, my tribe, is a proud and vibrant Native American community located in South Dakota.. They are a part of the larger Sicangu Lakota people, who are known for their rich cultural heritage and spiritual connection to the land. Grounding is a practice deeply rooted in the natural world, often drawing connections to ancient cultures and wisdom. This inherently challenges modern, profit-driven approaches to health and wellness. As we continue to explore the science behind grounding and its potential benefits, it is important to maintain a holistic perspective that considers the complex interactions between our bodies and the Earth. By doing so, we can uncover novel ways to improve our health and well-being, while also respecting and appreciating the intricate balance that exists within nature.
If you haven't picked up Earth & Water yet, please do. Once you do, I invite you to embark on the journey it provides with an open mind and heart. Allow yourself to be curious and receptive to new insights as we uncover the remarkable potential of grounding. It is my hope that, through Earth & Water, you will not only discover new ways to enhance your own health and well-being, but also feel inspired to share these benefits with others. The Message of Grounding.
You will also be introduced to the setting of where this journey takes place - Voltopolis. Today I will be starting my little project of sharing pieces of this book beginning to end over the next few months. We’ll go over all of the relevant research into this really cool practice that I've been obsessed with for so long now.
