In a state of Chaos, many people become reactionary. To be honest, when life is crazy, who has time to plan ahead? So how did I get through to the other side and what am I doing to stay there? The answer is simple, grounding.
Let me backup for a second. I first had to realize that something had to change. Many people are raised on core beliefs of those around them. The parents, grandparents, or guardians all pass down some of their understanding on the how and why of life. Each person is impacted by the way other people have shown up for them. For many people these beliefs are great and continue into life, for others, we may have to find a different way.
For me, the trauma that I have experienced in the past years has led me to a lot of questions. One thing has always been constant though, and that is my spiritual connection. I have always had a strong pull into that area of my life. I have also always believed in kindness but soon realized that I was not being kind to myself. So, I began to dig deeper. I was unsure what was to come.
I knew that what I needed was connection.Oddly enough, I did not want connection with people, yet. What I wanted was to feel connected to my spiritual side. This is where grounding comes into play. The simple meaning of grounding, according to the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & Thesaurus (1), is to be based firmly on something.
I know this does sound a little out there at first glance. Upon my surprise, grounding techniques are used in therapy quite a bit. It all makes a little more sense as to why I took to it so easily. Fighting my inner demons (otherwise known as depression and anxiety) can be calmed using grounding. (Please note I am NOT a Doctor and you should only take medical advice from your Doctor).
Okay, let’s get to what you all want to know. How do I ground? In the beginning, it was a simple practice. It was the end of Summer last year and one day I went outside and sat on the grass, closed my eyes, and took deep breaths. I instantly felt better. Was it the breathing? Possibly, but to me it was the whole process that made me feel so much better.
Eventually, I began to take off my shoes and put my bare feet in the grass. Still continuing my breathing. Day in and day out I kept doing this. It was part of a nighttime ritual. A slice of me time after a crazy day. Then one day, I did not have a chance to do this and by morning I immediately regretted it. At that very moment in the morning, I decided that this would be a practice for me to do daily.
Today grounding could look like it did those first days or it could be different. For example, tonight I was outside but I didn’t sit in the grass. I did, however, close my eyes and breathe in the air, the wind, the surroundings. Instantly I felt grounded again. Other ways are walking outside, hiking, or touching the earth in some way. Unfortunately, sometimes I have to settle for sitting somewhere in the silence and breathing.
Whatever way, the whole point is to refocus on myself. Focus inside, heal the inner self, or focus on that small quiet place to re-center.
I hope you try this and find some peace. May I suggest practicing this daily in some form. May you have the best day.
Love and Light.
Julie