Destress Through Grounding
When I was in my 20’s I was diagnosed with a serious illness. My energy levels were low and I experienced significant physical pain that impacted my work. Not only that, I had recently quit my full-time job (and steady income!) as a research chemist at 3M to become a yoga teacher. My health and bank account balance were both on the decline and at times I would frequently fall into downward spirals of worry and panic.
Fortunately, about the same time I was diagnosed, I was also learning how to consciously connect to the natural world. These practices helped me to move from worry and panic to a place of perspective and choice.
One of the practices I learned was a method to center myself, a practice I refer to as grounding. Grounding is a simple practice where we set down swirling patterns of thought and take a moment to reconnect to what we actually can feel physically. I also take this one step further and connect to the Earth, which is stabilizing, supportive, and nourishing.
Grounding can be done either inside or outside, though if there is a place you feel safe doing this outside with bare feet on the ground has added benefit that I’ll share in a further post.
Signs of being ungrounded:
Racing Thoughts: When you constantly have a whirlwind of thoughts and find it difficult to focus on the present moment, it can be a sign of being ungrounded. Your mind may jump from one idea to another without clarity or calm.
Anxiety or Stress: Excessive worry, anxiety, or stress can make you feel ungrounded. You may feel like you're floating in a state of perpetual unease without a solid foundation.
Physical Discomfort: Being ungrounded can manifest as physical discomfort, such as feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or experiencing sensations of "floating." You may also notice tension in your body, especially in the shoulders, neck, or jaw.
Forgetfulness: Difficulty in remembering things or feeling absent-minded can be a sign of being ungrounded. When you're not fully present, your ability to retain and recall information may suffer.
Emotional Overwhelm: Frequent mood swings, irritability, or feeling emotionally disconnected are common signs of being ungrounded. You might find it challenging to manage your emotions or stay centered in difficult situations.
Want to give grounding a try? Here’s my guided grounding practice:
But whatever you do, the opportunity is to drop in and reconnect. Grounding is a tool to set down the swirl of worry, doubt, fear, and/or overwhelm and to connect to a deeper truth. When I begin to cultivate a sense of ease and calm, this empowers new pathways and choice. I can then ask myself, “what is the most empowering thought I can have right now?” And listen to what comes through.
Small daily actions over time create big changes. If we make small, incremental changes in our life, over time they compound to create big changes. Don’t feel like you need to do this 30 minutes a day. Just start with the recorded meditation once a day! Also, if you like this and want more, check out Stress Reduction with Nature: 4 Practices to cultivate calm.
Small Changes x Time = Big Change
I invite you to create a ritual around the grounding practice, weaving it into your day.
Start the day. it helps the feel more resilient when you encounter challenges.
Decompress after work with grounding. Release stresses and reset after challenges.
Before you do something difficult. If you need to have a difficult conversation or write a difficult email, consider grounding before to center yourself.
I’ve had the privilege of teaching this practice to people across the US at conferences and I’m always amazed at how much this short practice can help people center themselves and create space for new possibilities and habits. Give it a whirl and let me know how it goes in the comments or on Instagram!