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Writer's pictureHarsha

Grounding

Grounding guides your attention back to the present so that you are anchored in the here and now instead of letting your mind wander back to the past or future. The present moment is the ground, the base on which we live; we attempt to stay rooted in this reality using grounding techniques. This makes us more mindful and prevents us from drifting away into the abstract world of feelings and thoughts.


Why should I practice Grounding?

Instead of being submerged in the waves of unwanted worries, grounding gives you something to hold on to: a tether, so that you can simply ride such waves. You will still have highs and lows but they will be much more manageable.

There is nothing wrong in feeling anxious or panicking in justifiable situations, it is not a flaw in your system. It is, in fact, a signal that something is being perceived as a threat and needs your attention. The issue arises when the threat signal is so strong and overwhelming, it immobilizes you or prevents you from taking corrective action or thinking clearly.

By grounding yourself, you can find our way back into a calm and composed state.


How do I practice Grounding?

Our body always exists in the present. We can affect its state by thinking about the past, the future, our fears and anticipations. But the body and those effects itself exist only in the present moment. Hence, a really effective way of grounding is using our body i.e. the 5 senses.

Give me an example?

Start by describing your surroundings- do not delve deep into your feelings, use only your physical surroundings for this. You can describe items, their color, texture, smell. You can also do this along with any simple activity you are doing such as making tea, watering plants, etc. and describe the process. Write these down or say them out loud to yourself in small, simple sentences. For example: 'I am pouring tea into a cup. The cup is light pink is color. The tea has a woody smell. It tastes sweet.'

If you are not doing something, just sit back and observe your surroundings. Such as: 'The bed beneath me is soft. The bedsheet is green in color. It's fabric is soft to touch.'

Any tips?

  • Use all your senses- not just eyes. Use smell, touch, sound and taste also.

  • Do not use long or complex phrases or metaphors or go into the meaning or significance of things. We are only making a note of what is for certain. There is no poetry or philosophy or opinions. Just what is.

  • You can set a timer and do this for 5 or 10 minutes. Or you can keep a count such as writing 15 sentences. Or you can count as per your senses- 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch/feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste.

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