Are You Grounded? 4 Ways To Get Grounded Today
I am grounded.
What does that mean? At some level, it means something different for everyone. Everyone has different ways to feel grounded. Maybe it’s reading, sitting in nature, going on a walk, meditating, or playing with your dog…
BUT THE END RESULT IS THE SAME.
Being grounded is synonymous to being present. To being rooted in where you are right now, with what you have right now, and with who you are right now.
It doesn’t mean that you can’t have aspirations or dream about your future, it just means that you’re patient and you’re present.
Have the words “grounded” or “staying present” been showing up for you lately? As we enter this new season, there can be lots of changes - big or small - that take us away from being present.
To kick off the new season, we’re a sharing a few simple ways to check in on whether or not we’re staying present.
Defining “grounded”:
Being grounded means you are completely in your body, connected to the present moment, and aware of your surroundings.
Understanding this definition in a few simple words is so important to knowing when we’re grounded and when we’re not.
“How can I tell if I’m grounded or not?”
This was a question I so often pondered when learning how to ground.
- Your reaction to stress, fear, or even excitement can so quickly let the mind drift away from one’s present state of being.
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Your diet: not consuming enough protein in your diet can lead to an ungrounded state and can leave you feeling hazy or tired and so often, in my experience, thinking of when I’m going to eat next -- which totally takes away from my ability to live in the present moment.
Try planning out your meals ahead of time for 7 days and see how it makes you feel. If physically preparing your meals for the week is too much, start with just writing it down and decided what you’ll be eating for breakfast or lunch for the next 7 days.
Do you have more time in your week? Do you feel more present because you’re not worrying about where or what to eat next? -
Getting into an argument, being emotionally triggered by something or someone, or the tendency to overanalyze the future is one of the fastest ways to making us feel 'ungrounded'.
When I first started working with my teacher, Jennifer Montero, I remember her being extremely thorough on how important it was to stay grounded.
She described being ungrounded as a state of vulnerability or susceptibility.
When you lack a sense of presence in your body, and are not in tune with what’s going on around you, it’s easier to be unsuccessful or even taken advantage of. It’s like a state of vacancy within your human form.
Think of every time you’ve ever rushed around in the morning. You’re running late, you’re frantic, and you’re not focused on much other than the fact that you’re… running late.
Ever notice that things seem to go a bit crazier when you’re under this kind of stress?
Sometimes all it takes to feel tranquil and confident is to establish a sense of grounded presence within your body. All of a sudden it becomes easier to have the confidence and faith that you are exactly where you need to be.
Now that you have a better idea of the types of emotions or situations that bring you out of a grounded state, let’s touch upon a few simple techniques that can quickly bring us back to being ‘grounded’.
Grounding Techniques
There are dozens of ways to stay grounded, but let’s mention the easiest ways and we’ll start with crystals!
- Crystals are incredible tools in helping one stay grounded, and there are several that do the trick beautifully.
Black tourmaline is a favorite of mine, with its’ ability to transmute negative energy into positive energy. This stone provides a high level of protection and is known to help one feel safe and secure in the body.
Red Jasper is also lovely for staying grounded, with its nurturing properties and rich red tones.
Being grounded has to do with the root chakra, Muladhara, which is red in color. So crystals that are red in color will help heal and open the root chakra, which also entails a state of grounded-ness.
Carry these stones with you or wear them regularly as jewelry, but make sure you cleanse them at the end of each day!
- Another way to get grounded is to feel and envision the earth beneath your feet, and next the Divine sunshine or sky of stars atop of your head. This can be done in just a few seconds.
Take a few deep breaths - through the nose and out the mouth - and know that you are connected and that you always can be.
- Back to protein! Protein is major in staying grounded. It helps to provide a sense of satiation, the feeling of being full. When we are full, we are happy, we are grateful, we are satisfied. This goes hand in hand with being comfortable in the present moment.
Being grounded is truly about feeling safe and satisfied in your own body, and it’s quite difficult to do this if you're hungry, perhaps even hangry. Vegan protein shakes, chickpeas, and organic tofu are staples in my kitchen.
Take some time to get to know your body, if you haven’t already, and find out what source of protein works best for you.
- Smudging -- taking a few seconds out of your day to smudge with white sage, desert sage, or palo santo can help clear negative energy and re-set your intentions for the day.
Smudging first thing in the morning or just before bed can be a great time to re-group and get grounded. Click here to learn more about how, why, and when to smudge.
Learning how to stay grounded and its importance has drastically changed my life. I move with much more ease and grace throughout my day, a greater sense of confidence, and with much more efficiency while I’m working or running errands.
Being grounded is a work in progress. Some days it’s really hard, but just being aware of whether or not you’re present can change everything.
Spend 5 - 10 minutes brainstorming all the things that make you feel grounded or rooted in who you are and where you are right now. What makes you happy? What makes you calm? What inspires your creativity?
Create a list (big or small), keep it in your wallet or save it as a note on your phone.
Next time you find yourself feeling ‘ungrounded’ -- pull out your list, choose the one that works in that moment, and effortlessly bring yourself back to being present.
Staying grounded in this crazy world is hard enough -- let alone having to remember how or what makes you feel grounded -- so having ‘the list’ prepared ahead of time can make all the difference, especially when you’re running late and the world around you is falling apart.
Life is so precious, learning how to live in the present moment, relishing in it even, has been such a gift. It’s allowed to me to see the beauty in the Earth, in being human, and in allowing myself to feel. My greatest wish is that everyone feels a grounded sense of unconditional love within themselves and the world around them.
Take a moment right now to repeat the words: I am grounded. I am grounded. I am present...
Written by Chandler Westphal
Inspired by the teachings of Jennifer Montero