Being mindful is the ability to be fully aware of who we are and our surroundings. It’s the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
Being grounded means experiencing the textures of the earth, whether it’s the grass, the soil, or the sand. It’s simply going outside, taking off your shoes, and placing your bare feet on the surface of the earth.
Touching the earth can help us to be mindful in the present moment. It can be a calming and pleasant experience. One that may become a healthy habit to return again and again for more.
Have you experienced being mindful? Have you experienced being grounded? If so, you may have encountered something unique to yourself.
Take Mary, she enjoys basking in the sun. She feels a renewed sense of vitality and energy after spending a short time in the sunlight, saying, “I’m taking in some rays of sunshine. I feel the energy and warmth of the sun.”
Mike is a Zoom driver. He transports passengers back and forth during the work week. He enjoys a predawn walk. It’s a unique, peaceful experience for him. It allows him to be mindful of himself and offers a direct connection with the natural world as it transitions from the darkness of night to the light of day. Mike says, “An early morning walk helps me to slowly awaken my senses. It helps me to become alert and focused. Most of all, it’s the only time I have for myself.”
Benjamin enjoys surfing and immersing himself in the ocean’s waves. Feeling the raw power of the ocean is a rush of adrenaline combined with the intensity of the moment and the need to be fully mindful and focused on the task at hand. He must be skillful and balanced on his board to avoid a wipeout. “Riding a wave helps me to be mindful of who I am and to be fully focused on the natural flow of the wave.”
Josephine is a twenty-year veteran high school teacher. Every day is a challenge for her in the classroom. She never knows what to expect, but has to be ready and able to engage students who would rather be somewhere else. “Every day I have to look into my bag of tricks to find some way to keep them interested. I always feel like I have to do all the work, but I’ve realized that I don’t have to; I can let them teach. Let them become a part of the learning process. They can learn by teaching each other. This has really worked for me.”
“I know I’ve been long-winded about this, but it takes a lot of energy to be a teacher. I have to develop a mindset every day. Now it’s time for me to be mindful of myself. I’ve heard about this grounding concept. I’m not entirely sure how it works, but some of my friends are into it. They feel grounded to the earth. Some take nature walks, others thrive in the sun, while others draw energy from the ground itself. More than anything, it’s okay to take care of me.”
“Perhaps I’ll learn to surf, not on the web, but on the actual waves themselves. I hear that riding a wave can be quite invigorating and refreshing. That Zoom driver, Mike, always talks about it. He has a friend named Benjamin, who surfs frequently. Actually, Mike often talks about Ben and frequently uses surfing terminology. Maybe Mike could tell him about me. He could tell Ben that I’m somewhat knowledgeable about surfing and that I have a keen interest in it, with an enthusiastic desire to learn. Hopefully he will agree to teach me the skills to surf.”
“I need to learn how to talk the talk. I need to expand my surfing terminology. Let’s take a look inside the surfer’s glossary.”
Aloha — Hawaiian greeting. “I need to know that word. How can you talk about surfing without Aloha?”
Amped — excited or stoked before, during, or after a surf session. “That’s me. I’m very enthusiastic.”
Hang loose — a Hawaiian expression for a relaxing, easy-going, and carefree attitude. “I’ve heard of that expression. I’m ready to hang loose.”
Hang Ten — to surf a wave with all ten toes on the nose of the surfboard. “How can anyone surf with all ten toes on their nose?”
Ho-dad — a wannabe surfer, someone pretending to be a surfer. “That sounds like me.”
Kook — a beginner surfer, an inexperienced surfer, or a bad surfer. “I am not a kook. I will forget that word.”
Mental — crazy or radical. “What’s crazy have to do with surfing?”
Shaka — a Hawaiian hand gesture used to say “hello,” “great,” “cool,” and “alright.” “I need to practice before I meet Ben.”
Wipeout — an unexpected fall off a surfboard while surfing a wave or a surfing accident. “I will never wipeout. A term I don’t need to know.”
“Well, that’s enough words to know. I’m ready to catch a wave. I need to arrange a ride with Zoom driver Mike.”
“Hello Mike, this is Josephine. Can you pick me up? I’m so excited about my first surfing lesson with Benjamin.” “On my way, see you soon. Hang loose, Hang Ten, Aloha.”
“Good day, Mike, thanks for your quick pickup. I’m ready for you to zoom me to my first lesson. I have been learning new surfing words. Would you like to hear? Of course, you would, be ready to be impressed. I have rehearsed my script to engage with Ben.”
“Aloha, Ben. I’m amped about my first lesson today. I’m ready to hang loose with you. My toes are ready to hang ten on my nose. Can’t wait to Ho-dad on that board. I know you may think I’m a kook, but I’m eager to learn. Shaka and Aloha.”
“Josephine, you have certainly broadened your surfer’s vocabulary. I think, for now, don’t try to impress Ben with words, all you need to do is say Aloha.” “I don’t want him to think I’m a wannabe, but I guess I am. But I am not a kook. I need to be mindful of who I am and focus on learning a new skill.” “You got it, relax and enjoy the experience of surfing. Hang loose, but no Hang Ten till later.”
Copyright 2026 Frank Clark
Hang loose, my friend! Great post!