In the Western world, we live with surface order that we often take for granted. Electricity, plumbing, stoplights, and fully stocked grocery store shelves are a mundane everyday happening. Even the highway system is all very neatly organized and orderly.
The paradox is while our outer systems are in order, we are experiencing enormous inner chaos. We have grown so impatient with our thoughts that we have to pull or push at the next one. We struggle with sitting still for even one minute, let alone five minutes each day.
The epidemic of overwhelm is at an all-time high. According to Web MD, 75 to 90 percent of all doctor's office visits are for “stress-related ailments and complaints such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety.”
We have even grown impatient with our healing. We want the fast fix for our stress. Such a thing doesn’t really exist. We can only ever heal if we are relaxed. This occurs under the primary condition of stability.
The Importance of Grounding
Mental stability brings about a patient mind, which promotes emotional equilibrium. Spiritual practice teaches us that balance is our natural state. We are meant to live from a stable foundation and inner stillness.
Just like we build a solid yoga pose from the ground up, we need stability to form a strong foundation for our lives. In Sanskrit, this is known as sthira.
Grounding serves us as a simplifying force in order to stabilize our minds. When grounded, we plug back into our best selves and become fully present and balanced. Our energy stabilizes.
Once centered, we are able to see clearly the circumstances of our lives without the filter of constant drama. We no longer over-respond or over-worry, because the static noise of distress doesn’t pull us apart. It is that difference between falling to pieces or falling into peace.
Here are five ways to build stability and grounding in your life.
1. Meditate.
Studies prove that in a short amount of time, meditation promotes inner stillness and mental health. This will retrain your brain to make more conscious choices for your happiness by clearing the clutter. Mental clutter promotes chaos.
2. Practice yoga.
After all, yoga poses help us feel more stable. Devote your yoga practice to getting grounded. Sequenced, still standing poses help us achieve the security that comes from connecting our nervous system to the earth.
3. Take a vow of silence.
This helps diffuse the inner mental chatter. Try it for 30 minutes to an hour, and eventually to one day per month. Relearn how to relax without the distraction of talking.
4. Unplug from technology.
Take a media break for a day a week. Detoxing your mind away from the push and pull energy of constant stimulation is healthy in all ways.
5. Ask for help.
Reach out to friends and family. Eliminate the habit of self-sabotage in trying to do it all yourself. Ask others to help you. Surround yourself with positive people. Reach out to professional mental health resources as necessary.
Today, choose stability instead of turmoil. I promise that you will feel more grounded and at home in your heart. By reading this article, you are already taking positive steps towards abiding in calm. Remember, we are happiest when we are peaceful.
