Simple Practices when you are feeling scattered
Are you feeling a bit off, unfocused, or scattered? We are in the midst of a seasonal change (in nature that is) and often this change of seasons can bring with it a bit of uncertainty, irritability, and lack of focus.
Sometimes all we need when we are feeling a bit “off” is to take a few minutes to ground ourselves. Even if that isn’t all that is going on, being grounded is a great place to start.
So, what does it mean to “be grounded”?
In Psychology Today, Diana Raab, Ph.D. states “Being grounded is the ability to be completely aware and conscious during the present moment.” It can also be experienced as a deeper connection to the authentic self. Michael Daniels says that groundedness is associated “with an experience of clarity, wholeness, ‘rightness’ and harmony."
Who doesn’t want that!
Here are a few practices to help you feel more grounded:
Mindfully walking without a destination - pay attention to the sounds, sights and smells. Pause occasionally to be fully present to all that is around you.
Connect with nature by sitting on the ground, on a rock, or on a log – pay attention, notice the sounds, sights and smells around you. Or meditate by standing in front of a tree and notice every detail about the tree. Imagine it’s roots going deep into the earth.
Walk a Labyrinth. You may find labyrinths in your area by checking the Worldwide Labyrinth Locator https://labyrinthlocator.com/
Practice yoga, especially standing pose or tree pose. You can simply hold the pose in silence or you may want to visualize roots or energy extending down your legs into the ground and back up; and energy extending out your arms imagining the energy of the sun coming back down your arms and body down into the earth.
Listen to this guided visualization grounding technique. This is also a great meditation to listen to before practicing standing pose or tree pose.
Tune into your senses wherever you are. Stop and notice at least two things that you see, smell, hear, taste and touch.
What helps you experience a sense of groundedness? I would love to hear from you. Comment below and share practices that work for you when you are feeling scattered, unfocused, or just a bit off.