“I am at home within myself. I am settled in myself. I am.” During times of transition, uncertainty, or increased life demands, affirmations, meditations, and physical activities that emphasize being solid or strong within myself have been particularly helpful. While walking, hiking or jogging I may bring up an affirmation or solely focus on the solid nature of my feet/body meeting the ground. While in child’s pose, I may draw attention to my forehead that is meeting the earth and imagine releasing my worry, rocking my head from side to side.
During my first silent meditation retreat we were guided in grounding meditations. In Theravada Buddhism, grounding meditation roots the mind and body through physical stability and mindful awareness. We would engage in seated meditation (one practice entailed embodying your inner mountain which I loved) and then a walking meditation, alternating between the two.
What practices support a sense of groundedness within you and what does being grounded feel or look like?
Groundedness within myself entails a calmness, compassion for self and others, a clarity or acceptance for lack of clarity, feeling relaxed in my body and at times feeling physically strong. It does not mean I don’t feel stressed or have an emotional reaction but I am more capable of coming back to myself, my breath, my feet on the ground and responding versus reacting.