Chapter 1: The Quest for Healing

In my journey to regain health amidst the challenges of perimenopause, I've been making various adjustments to my lifestyle. My regimen includes acupuncture, chiropractic care, alternative therapies, cranial therapy, massages, dietary changes, and an array of supplements. It feels like a game of health whack-a-mole; as soon as I tackle one issue, another arises. While hormone replacement therapy might be in my future, I'm determined to explore homeopathic solutions first.

A consistent aspect of my routine is my daily exercise, which spans two hours. Unless the weather is particularly poor—like rain or temperatures below 45 degrees—I take a walk every hour. I strongly believe in the benefits of fresh air and physical activity.

Recently, I decided to try grounding, a practice that connects you to the Earth's energy. Although I considered purchasing an indoor grounding mat, I realized the experience was meant to replicate being outdoors. It seemed much more economical to simply step onto the free grass in my rather neglected backyard.

Since moving into my townhouse built in 2000, I’ve tended to avoid my outdoor space for two main reasons. Firstly, like many townhouse designs in Houston, my living area is on the second floor. The primary reason I chose this property was for the screened porch that overlooks a serene cemetery, allowing me to enjoy the park-like scenery from the comfort of my air-conditioned home (or with the door open on pleasant days).

Secondly, the aesthetic choices of the previous homeowners starkly contrast my taste. Their peculiar DIY boulder fountain and the garish red stain on the fence clash with my Georgian England/Charleston courtyard sensibilities. Frankly, I tend to overlook the small yard entirely since it’s an eyesore at the moment. I appreciate having a private outdoor area, but it’s in dire need of a makeover, which will have to wait until my budget allows.

With that context, you can imagine my first grounding experience. Earlier today, I dragged a random outdoor chair to the edge of the unattractive patio. Armed with my reading glasses, sunglasses, and phone, I settled into the chair and let my feet connect with the overgrown grass. Although it was sweltering outside, I was grateful for the shade.

After about ten minutes, I glanced up from my phone and noticed a pair of curious eyes fixed on me. Instantly recognizing the squirrel I had seen around for months, I realized that while I’d observed him, he had never actually seen me before! The poor little guy seemed stunned to find a human just a few feet away from his home.

Over the next twenty minutes, his two companions took turns inspecting me. Eventually, my main squirrel friend decided I posed no threat and began lounging on the fence to escape the oppressive July heat. However, he kept one eye on me at all times.

I think my squirrel companion and I now share a peculiar understanding. It’s all quite amusing, which is typical for me. I’ve even dubbed him Sloop John B. I’ll follow up on whether grounding has any positive effects for me. I also plan to name the other two squirrels—one is quite hefty, so I’m leaning towards Brian Wilson.

Welp, it seems like the longest relationship I’ve had in Houston is with…three squirrels who didn’t even recognize me. Sloop John B looked like he was genuinely contemplating jumping down from the fence. If my friend Bonnie were here, she would have likely freaked out and screamed, causing herself to twist an ankle while racing back inside to escape. That would defeat the very purpose of grounding!

Bonnie is committed to her healing journey but has her limits—she’ll stop grounding in the backyard if she faces any rodent attacks. For now, it appears that I and the local squirrel family have reached a mutual understanding.

The first video, "I GROUNDED Every Day For 30 Days - Nature's Ultimate Biohack?" explores the potential benefits of grounding and its effects on health. The creator shares their journey of grounding for a month, discussing the changes they experienced.

The second video, "I Tried Earthing for the First Time," documents a first-time earthing experience. The creator reflects on their feelings and observations while connecting with nature, showcasing the simplicity and advantages of this practice.