Grounding has worked its way into my life today, like a colleague trying to find time for a meeting across multiple calendars.
As I listened to a leader share the fullness of their day, I felt an intuition rise within me, like coffee grinds to the top of a French press. “And how do you ground yourself?” I gently questioned, to which she mentioned that Bravo helps turn the brain off.
On a separate occasion, I asked a similar question, which resulted in learning about my colleagues’ and their fitness endeavors. Volleyball, softball, and running… oh my.
Even further, I exchanged a message on Instagram, wondering what prompted the share of a specific post, and the response I received was the search for more gratitude and grounding.
And finally, in a coaching conversation I had this week, I invited my client into her body, to shift from overthinking in the brain to what’s happening now by simply bringing her awareness to the sensation that occurs when running a finger across the top of her hand.
Grounding.
It almost feels luxurious. Our day-to-days, especially in the workplace, consist so much of not feeling the ground. Of Zoom-ing, both literally on our computers and figuratively in our homes or around the office, from room to room.
There’s a demand for “more, more,” as if more meetings, more conversations, and more production will get us to our ideal outcome. That may be true sometimes, though not always.
“More” may lead to a higher quantity, but it also demands more of all of us. And, it requires less of us too.
Less presence.
Less listening.
Less attention.
How do we ground when life is as demanding as an impatient toddler?
Sometimes, I literally sit on my closet floor. It is contained. I feel kept, like a spoon finding its way into the cutlery drawer. Safe and quiet.
I have a place where I belong, and I can breathe again.
But we’re not always home, and we don’t always have the luxury of hiding away. Life challenges us when we least expect it.
What I’ve learned about grounding
1. Breathing goes a long way
And when we can’t breathe, the senses are a powerful tool, too. For example, count your breath for ten counts. Or feel your feet on the floor. Or touch a surface like your desk, kitchen counter, or even your leg. Plug in fully to the sensation, and see what arises.
This trick is particularly helpful when you’re not able to remove yourself from a situation that is triggering to your nervous system, like a meeting or dinner.
2. Focusing on one task at a time is underrated
You’re not going to like this one… but try eating a meal. Alone. Without a screen or headphones. Try listening to yourself chew. Pay attention to the food you are eating, where it came from, and the texture of it in your mouth.
Or, maybe it’s cooking a meal. Try doing it without music. What does it feel like to cut on the cutting board? What are the aromas you smell as you cook?
3. When in doubt, there’s always the floor
Sit on the floor. Trust me. It’s comforting. Even better, lie down on the floor. You are always being held and supported.
Let’s reflect
Choose one challenge to commit to this week to support your grounding. Perhaps it’s playing with the five senses, or focusing on one task at a time. And if you’d like to chat about it, send me a message — I’d love to hear how it goes for you.
In loving support,
Grace