Why it’s Important to be Grounded in an AI World
Jun 30, 2025 11:00AM ● By Sharon Whiteley
No question about it, artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our work in remarkable ways, from automating complex decisions to unearthing insights and enhancing communication. Productivity in places seems to be soaring; however, one big concern is the impact on our humanity—and appreciation of the forces of nature and the natural world.
As leaders we need to value that the essence of what makes us genuinely effective is emotional intelligence, presence, clarity, resilience, empathy, vulnerability—and the ability to listen, feel and reflect. These are the very foundation of great leadership, creativity, innovation, all with a truly authentic resonance.
AI cannot convey personal stories or the deeper value behind them. Stories carry essence and lived experience. Machine-generated words might be able to mimic, but they can’t capture spirit, soul or deliver nuance. Stories are shaped by experience, enriched through listening and sustained by curiosity as well as a quest to keep learning.
Adam Grant describes this in Hidden Potential, calling it the “sponge effect”—a kind of awareness, absorption and digesting that cannot be programed. Bo Eason, a former NFL safety turned leadership coach, also teaches that stories are what make us memorable, and that authenticity and connection defines great leadership.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a collective wake-up call for many. Concepts like preventative care and natural wellness leapt from the fringes to the forefront of discourse. What began as a shift has become a movement—amplified across generations by visionary pioneers.
As someone who has dedicated my career to fostering health and well-being, I applaud this direction wholeheartedly. Embracing more time outdoors, relationship-building, and stress-reducing practices have emerged in business and in family life. What were once “nice-to-haves” became strategic assets.
Grounding—also called earthing—is the practice of making direct physical contact with the earth’s surface, such as walking barefoot on grass, sand, soil, unsealed tile, stone or even concrete. The idea is that the earth carries a subtle electrical charge, and connecting with it may help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and regulate the nervous system.
More than 22 peer-reviewed studies have explored its physiological benefits, linking grounding to reduced stress, improved sleep, better circulation, and enhanced immune function—all helping to restore the body’s natural state of homeostasis.
Grounding may also help protect against the effects of modern life by neutralizing the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and Wi-Fi radiation.
I credit grounding—specifically sleeping grounded—with saving my life and supporting my recovery and improving my blood viscosity after a heart attack where I was given 90 minutes to live. Dr. Stephen Sinatra, a respected cardiologist and a leading pioneer in this area of grounding research, first introduced me to this amazing natural modality. I had no idea that attending a lecture at a longevity conference 16 years ago would foreshadow our future collaboration—or my own health journey. Years later, I co-authored Get Grounded, Get Well with him.
Grounding is also a powerful metaphor. Just as physical grounding brings balance to the body, emotional grounding brings steadiness to leadership and personal relationships as well. Grounding serves as a reset. It quiets mental chatter, calms the nervous system, and strengthens immune response. It also helps mitigate the effects of electromagnetic stress, something increasingly important in a hyperconnected world. Grounding gives us calm, focus and access to intuition.
You don’t need elaborate tools or extended time to ground yourself. Below are many free or low-effort practices that can be integrated into your daily routine:
• Walk barefoot on conductive surfaces (grass, soil, sand, unsealed concrete—even city sidewalks).
• Use grounding mats or silver-threaded apparel at your desk or while sleeping.
• Spend time in nature—touching trees, tending plants, breathing fresh air.
• Extend your shower or bath; even water flowing through a metal pipe offers grounding effects (pedicures also work well).
• Create tech-free zones, especially before bed or during recovery periods.
• Schedule unstructured time for reflection and reset.
• Position your workspace near natural light and open windows.
• Turn off your phone or switch to airplane mode at night.
The Human Advantage in an AI World
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in our systems, the edge in leadership won’t come from who processes data faster—it will come from who leads with greater presence, emotional depth, and intention. By grounding ourselves—both literally and emotionally—we can stay true to humanity and lead from that place. It all starts with the earth beneath our feet.
TRU47
Earthing; EMF Protection; Longevity: Sharon Whiteley is a serial entrepreneur passionate about wellness trends. As a merchant and innovative manufacturer, she specializes in silver-based ... Read More »
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