Stillness

I have incorporated the practice of grounding into my life and I have recognized that the idea behind it goes very well with the Digital Independent Life.

It all started with seeing people that I follow and respect share their experiences with stillness and the processes that they embrace that foster that kind of experience. One of the stillness practices that I have embraced is called grounding.

Grounding is essentially making a physical connection with the natural world, especially the ground itself.

So… I decided to start by taking my morning dip in the bay without water shoes, letting the rocks and sand (and sometimes unidentified slimy plantlife) touch the soles of my feet. I was surprised at how something so natural felt unnatural. I felt that my feet needed some kind of protection. I became dependent on the rubber barrier that offered me a sense of security. It was in this practice though, that I realized how backward it was to feel secure in the artificial. Of course, I never wanted to step on glass or sharp stones and injure myself but simply being barefoot forced me to be aware of my surroundings in a new way as well as appreciate the variety of sensations.

The walk from the beach and back to the cottage had me travel (barefoot) across both the beach terrain of sand and rocks and also the grass and smooth stone path.

It felt good. I didn’t experience some magical sensation of the ions from my body exchanging with that of the planet but the sensation had me seriously reflect. At first, my mind went straight to what other people would think about a 55-year-old man in his bathing suit in the cold weather of fall in Atlantic Canada walking around barefoot in circles and staring at his feet. 

My self-consciousness shifted rather quickly to my thoughts as opposed to those of others. I started to plan my day in my head, daydream about new ideas and projects, and even mentally prepare breakfast (and a hot cup of coffee).

All of this as we prepared for snow in the coming weeks.

Depending on the day, my mind drifts from work-related thoughts to a sudden awareness of my natural surroundings. The warm touch of the sun on my face was contradicted by the cold water on my feet. The rhythmic sound of the waves and the wings of the birds above are in sync with that motion. Walking out of the water and the change in texture from cold liquid to coarse hard sand.

This practice has become one of my favourites and sets the tone and my mood to pick up where I left off the previous day. I feel more connected to my surroundings which also aids in my regular gratitude practice. 

I am motivated, energized, and empowered to do good work. 

I truly feel that any DI who fully embraces the life and the principles it upholds must find the practices that help you feel some level of stillness because it is in stillness that you get clarity.

Clarity on the things that matter.

Clarity on your priorities.

Clarity of your surroundings and how they affect your mood and motivation.

If you review the DI manifesto, you will see how all of these statements can only be achieved when you have a clear and confident level of contentment. Practices such as stillness and gratitude can help you clarify your wants, desires, your purpose. 

It is only with a strong sense of purpose can you fully embrace the DI life.