Grounding in Uncertainty
Finding Calm When Life Feels Scary
Do you ever feel worried or stressed when things around you change, and you don’t know what’s going to happen next? You’re not alone! Feeling like this is normal, especially in the fall season when everything seems to move so fast. In this article, we’re going to talk about why we sometimes feel this way and how we can find ways to feel supported and steady.
What Is Uncertainty?
Uncertainty means not knowing what’s going to happen next. It’s like when you’re playing a game, and you’re not sure if you’ll win or lose. This feeling of not knowing can sometimes make us feel nervous, scared or even like we’re spinning in circles.
What Is Grounding?
Grounding is a way to help our minds and bodies feel safe and steady when everything else feels out of control. Think of grounding like being a tree with strong roots that hold you in place, even if there’s a big storm. The wind might blow, but you’re still standing tall because your roots are deep in the ground.
My teacher once said, “Be with the eye of the storm, instead of being with the storm itself.” I invite you to read that again, pause, and let it sink in.
Fall is Vata Season
Right now, we’re in the Vata season of the year. Vata is one of the three energies in Ayurveda that affect our bodies and minds. The Vata energy is all about movement and change, like a strong wind. If life these days has already too much movement, in fall, Vata is the strongest, and it can make us feel like there’s even more going on around us.
When Vata is out of balance, it can make us feel:
Stressed, worried, fearful about things we can’t control.
Restless and unable to sit still.
Overwhelmed, or frustrated like there’s just too much to do.
How to Ground Yourself in Uncertainty
The good news is that there are simple ways to help ourselves feel calm and grounded, even when everything feels like a whirlwind. Here are a few tips to help you stay steady:
Breathe with a Count:
When you feel stressed, take a few slow, deep breaths and count while you breathe. For example, inhale for a count of 4 and exhale for a count of 4. Imagine that each breath is like a wave washing away your worries.Connect to Your Legs and Feet:
Put your hands on your thighs and notice the gentle pressure of your hands. Or, give your feet a little massage to help your energy move down and feel more grounded.Sound Bath:
I love using vibrations from a sound bath. Vibrations help clear away the stress and bring a feeling of calm.Spend Time in Nature:
Place your hand on the trunk of a tree and take a breath or two. Sit outside and focus on what you can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste around you.Meditation:
When you start to worry about what might happen in the future, remind yourself to focus on what’s happening right now. Visualize roots growing deep into the earth from your legs, feet, and toes. Once you feel the sense of support, imagine your upper body as the trunk of a beautiful tree, with your branches expanding overhead. Feel that when you are supported and steady in your roots, you can explore the world with ease.
Why Grounding Is So Important
When we practice grounding, we’re telling our bodies and minds that it’s okay to be still, even when the world feels like it’s spinning around us. Grounding helps us stay calm and make better choices, even when things are uncertain.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes it feels like everything is moving too fast, but grounding ourselves helps us slow down and feel steady. Just like a tree with deep roots, we can stay strong and calm, no matter how hard the wind blows.
Remember, you’re not alone if you’re feeling a little unsure or worried right now. We all feel that way sometimes, but with these simple grounding tips, we can all find our calm place in the eye of the storm.
