Summer is coming to an end. You’re preparing the kids to go back to school, and you are leaving that easy breezy summer mode and into high gear as you’re moving into the fall season and all the activities that harvest time brings. In addition to the school and after-school activities for the kids, the fall is the catalyst for a plethora of holidays and events. All squeezed into the last quarter of the year.
Dealing with all the happenings that you encounter in your day to day life, along with at least ten holidays or celebrations, what do you do to keep yourself grounded, centered and in that Zen place?
Keeping yourself grounded is, like most practices, a habit to build on. But there will be those days where you might find yourself overwhelmed or feeling like everything that comes your way is a test of your resilience and fortitude. It’s on those days, or even in those moments, that regaining your center and getting grounded quickly is the action step you need, right there and then.
I would like to share with you a few techniques that will help bring you to the place within where your mind can clear and your thoughts and ideas can calmly flow through you, helping you find a place where the stress flows off you like a gentle waterfall.
“Within you, there’s a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.”
Herman Hesse
Techniques for Grounding Yourself
Rhythmic breathing
You can do this just about anywhere, standing or sitting, walking or laying down. Slowly breathe in for a count of six, hold for a count of four, and slowly release for a count of eight. Continue this breathing technique for a minimum of three times, or for as long as you need.
Carry a rock, crystal, or anything that came from the earth
Carry a crystal or a smooth rock in your pocket or bag. When you need to get grounded, pull out the item and hold it, focusing on how it feels in your hand. For the smooth stone, gently rub the stone between your thumb and your fingers. Look at the item. Focus on its color, and its texture. You will find your breath slowing down and you’ll begin to feel calmness come over you.
Take a walk
Take yourself away from the situation that is stressing you out. Take a short walk, preferably outside. Deliberately feel your feet as they roll from heel to toe. Take in slow, deep breaths. Listen to the ambient noise of the birds or other sounds from your walk and incorporate it into the moment.
Move your body
Whether you do some simple stretches, or a high impact move like jumping jacks, pay attention to your body and how it’s feeling as you move from body part to body part. Thank each body part as you’re moving or stretching. Your thoughts and words of gratitude will resonate within your cellular memory, helping you to feel solid in your body.
Do a little figure eight breath visualization
This technique sounds more complicated than it actually is. Sit in a comfortable position. Visualize the number eight. As you take your first inhale, see the middle of your eight come out of your front heart center moving high into the cosmos. On your exhale, see the top of the eight come down and around through the back of your heart center. On your next inhale, see the bottom front of the eight come out of your front heart center and down into the center of the earth. On your exhale see it come up from the earth and going into the back of your heart center.
That is figure eight breathing. Do this exercise at your own pace. The more you do this exercise the faster you will feel the grounding effects.
Visualization
Close your eyes and imagine someplace or something that brings you happy memories. If it’s a tropical island, see the palm trees gently swaying in the breeze, hear music playing in the background. See yourself walking on the beach or partaking in a water sport, or maybe laying in a hammock with a refreshing tropical drink in hand.
If you haven’t had the opportunity to travel, or if you want to envision an experience you’d like to manifest for yourself, use the same technique, seeing yourself in that environment or situation. However you choose to see your vision, the outcome will bring you a sense of happiness and peace.
The ninety second breath
This exercise takes ninety seconds, for that is what it takes to breathe through an emotion. You can do this exercise with your eyes open or closed. Slowly breathe in and out for ninety seconds. It’s important that you don’t allow the person or situation that’s upsetting you to percolate into your mind as you’re trying to breathe through whatever emotion you are working through. If necessary, repeat a mantra of your choosing, or visualize a peaceful resolve.
Have any more techniques for grounding yourself? Let us know down in the comments.
This article originally published on GREY Journal.
