Grounding has always been a concept close to my heart, though I didn’t realize it until I became more aware of my needs. It’s funny how certain practices weave their way into our daily lives without us even noticing. For me, grounding is one such practice. Those small moments help me reconnect with myself amidst the chaos of everyday life.
I remember a time when I felt particularly overwhelmed. Work was piling up, personal responsibilities were mounting, and my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. One day, riding back home, I decided to take a detour. Feeling the wind against my face, jamming alone to my favourite songs, and the sensation of freedom that comes with riding—it was all incredibly beautiful. At that moment, I realized how such simple acts could bring me back to the present, offering a small window to connect with myself again.
Grounding, in essence, is about finding those anchors in our daily lives. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture; often, it’s the simplest things that have the most dense impact. Like the warmth of a morning cup of coffee, the smell of your favourite perfume, or the feeling of warm water on your skin. These moments, though seemingly mundane, have a way of bringing us back to the here and now.
One grounding technique I’ve found particularly effective is focusing on my senses. When I feel my mind spiralling, I pause and take a deep breath. I look around and identify five things I can see, four things I can touch, three things I can hear, two things I can smell, and one thing I can taste. It’s a simple exercise, but it never fails to pull me back from the edge of overwhelm.
Another personal favourite is deep breathing. It sounds almost too simple, doesn’t it? But taking a few slow, deep breaths can be incredibly grounding. When I focus on my breath, I can feel my shoulders relax, my heart rate slow, and a sense of calm wash over me. It’s like giving my mind a momentary pause button.
I’ve also noticed grounding moments in unexpected places. The other day, while cooking dinner, I found myself fully immersed in the process. Chopping vegetables, the rhythmic sizzle of food in the pan, the aroma of herbs, Rafi’s songs playing in the background—it was all very grounding. I was completely present, not thinking about the past or worrying about the future, just there at that moment.
Interestingly, the practice of grounding can also involve more physical activities. I’ve read about people who find grounding through walking barefoot on the grass, feeling the cool earth beneath their feet, or even lying on the ground and feeling the connection with the earth. These practices are based on the idea that physically connecting with the earth can help us feel more centred and balanced.
It isn’t about escaping reality; it’s about embracing it. I find those small moments of connection that help me navigate the ups and downs of life. Even on the busiest, most stressful days, I know I can find my centre and regain a sense of balance.
I used to find it irritating when people would say, "Just breathe," as if I wasn’t already breathing. But now, I understand the true meaning behind those words. It's about taking a moment to pause and being intentional with our breaths—not just inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide, but letting the air fill up our lungs fully and exhaling completely, focusing on how it impacts us physically and emotionally.
So, next time life feels like it’s moving too fast or your mind is racing, pause and look for those grounding moments. Maybe it’s the
feel of a favourite sweater, the sound of laughter, or the taste of a homemade meal. These are the anchors that bring us back to ourselves, reminding us to breathe, to be present, and to find peace in the midst of it all - quite literally finding our ground.
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