What Backpacking (and Bare Feet) Taught Me About Resetting
Last week, I went completely off-grid—backpacking in the Eastern Sierras with my mom and brother.
No inboxes. No scrolling. No cell service.
Just cold alpine lakes. Blisters. Trail snacks. Deep belly laughs.
And some of the most present, connected time I’ve had in months.
It reminded me how deeply I rely on nature to reset my nervous system.
The stillness. The movement. The silence. The awe.
And yes—bare feet on the ground.
🌿 What Is Earthing?
Earthing (or grounding) is the simple act of placing your bare skin—usually your feet—directly on the surface of the earth. Grass, soil, sand, ocean, riverbeds, rock, hot springs... all count.
But it’s not just about the feeling—it’s backed by science.
The earth holds a natural negative charge. When we touch it, our bodies absorb free electrons that may help:
Neutralize free radicals
Reduce inflammation
Support immune function
Lower cortisol (our main stress hormone)
Promote a more regulated nervous system
🌊 Yes, It Works in Water Too
One of my favorite grounding moments on this trip was soaking my feet in an icy lake and wading through cold streams.
Here’s the cool thing: Earthing works in natural water, too—if you’re in contact with the earth-connected floor. That means walking along the ocean in San Diego, sitting in a mineral-rich hot spring, or standing in a river all offer the same grounding benefits.
🌬️ A Practice You Can Try
Whether you’re in the mountains or your own backyard, try this:
Kick off your shoes.
Stand on the earth.
Take a deep breath.
Visualize roots growing from your feet or an anchor dropping from your spine into the earth.
Breathe again.
Let your body soften.
Let your nervous system exhale.
💆♀️ Massage Is Grounding, Too
Not everyone can backpack for a week to reset.
But you don’t need to escape to the wilderness to reconnect with your body.
Massage is another way to ground.
In my San Diego studio, I create space for your nervous system to rest—using slow, intentional touch, breath awareness, and techniques that help invite regulation.
Whether your system is stuck in high-alert mode or running on empty, massage offers a way home.
✨ Final Thoughts
This trip filled my cup in the deepest way.
Time with family. Laughter until our cheeks hurt. Nature holding us in its quiet, steady rhythm.
It reminded me that healing doesn’t always look like stillness.
Sometimes it’s movement.
Sometimes it’s mountains.
Sometimes it’s just being really, truly present.
🗓️ Ready to Reconnect?
If your nervous system has been feeling untethered, I’d love to help you ground again—no hiking boots required.
You can book your next massage in San Diego here.
Here’s to bare feet, big breaths, and the kind of care that brings you back to yourself.
