Grounding

A practice of bringing awareness to the present moment through physical sensations, helping to anchor the nervous system and provide stability when feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. Grounding helps establish a sense of safety and presence in the body.

Source: Described in 'Waking the Tiger' by Peter A. Levine. Grounding is a foundational practice in Somatic Experiencing that helps establish safety and presence in the body.

How to practice

1. 1Notice where your body makes contact with a supporting surface (chair, floor, etc.)
2. 2Feel the sensations in your arms and legs where they contact the surface
3. 3Notice other physical sensations: the feel of clothes, shoes, hair
4. 4Add awareness of any sensations like tightness, temperature, tingling, or movement
5. 5Return to these grounding sensations whenever you feel overwhelmed
6. 6Stay with the physical sensations to bring awareness fully into the body
7. 7Allow grounding to help stabilize your nervous system

Based on literature