Two days ago I was being challenged to focus completely. As always, I had a stack of tasks I could be doing but instead, I would invest a minute or two here or there, I was tumbling into rabbit holes stoked by my natural propensity for curiosity. The noise of my household was choking any last possibility for me to move forward in the way I felt would be most productive.
When I was in that space, I could not even begin to think of ways to find my way back to feeling grounded, which may also be seen as feeling stable or steady or strong or present. Even as I write this a couple days later I am aware I could once again move off course if I do not practice what I am suggesting to you.
Let’s take a deep breath and stay exactly where we are, only better.
- First, feel your feet, planted, on the floor of the room you are in or on the grand where you are standing. Take a moment to feel how it feels to connect, like how the roots of a tree connect with the soil where it is planted. Take a deep breath. If you notice now you are thirsty, walk with your rooted feet to a source of water. Your posture, your movement in this style is deeply intentional. You may even notice your gait and posture changes. This is good.
- Use the word “grounded” as a mantra. If “grounded” isn’t a favorite any of these words may be used as a synonymous substitute:
Stable Strong Dependable Solid Whole
Steady Rooted Sure-footed Balanced Present
You may feel even more supported by adding the word “I am” with grounded. It would sounds like this (I am substituting the synonymous words as well.
I am steady. I am grounded. I am whole. I am present. I am rooted.
- If you are able, go outside and stand outside. You may also go outside, barefoot and stand still for a moment or two. Take at least three deep breaths and yes, simply stand there. Enjoy the connection to the soil or the grass or if indoors, the carpeting of the room you are in.
These are simple, less than five minute exercises which will help you feel better while they redirect you back to your “previously scheduled” activities. No training classes necessary. No new products need to be bought. You don’t need a special space to become more grounded. Even with all of this zero investment, the rewards you may reap include better focus, a clearer mind, and an increased level of contentment amidst the challenges we are, each and all of us, facing.
Julie JordanScott, the Creative Life Midwife, is a writer, a poet performer, a Creativity Coach, A Social Media Whiz and a Mother of three. One of her greatest joys include loving people into their greatness they just aren’t quite able to realize yet.
Julie is also one of the Founders of Bridge to the New Year. Join us now in 2020 in #Refresh2020 to reflect, connect, intend and taking passionate action to create a truly remarkable rest of 2020. Click the graphic below to join the Private Facebook Group to join the conversation!
© 2020/Julie JordanScott
Brenda Fluharty says
Does it always work for you because I know, there are times it’s doesn’t work for me. Sometimes even taking the dog for a walk doesn’t work.
jjscreativelifemidwife says
Sometimes are more difficult than others. I simply take my time then… and repeat. And repeat. And repeat.
Jeanine Byers says
That was great! You’re right – my posture did change. And I automatically added the “I am” when I started breathing and doing the mantra. “I am grounded. I am strong. I am rooted.” All of them felt great. Thx!
Virginia Allain says
I’ve started a pandemic victory garden on my patio in some grow bags. Going out to check the plants gives me time to tune into nature. I’ll add the mantra to go with that. Thanks.
jjscreativelifemidwife says
This makes me so happy to hear! I love the concept of a pandemic victory garden. Fantastic!