When everything around you is uncertain and circumstances are changing day by day, it’s hard to stay grounded in the moment. But in the words of Steve Goodier…
“Get yourself grounded and you can navigate even the stormiest roads in peace.”
When we’re not grounded we may feel lightheaded, tired, disconnected, dazed, confused, overwhelmed, shaken, flighty or emotionally unstable.
So how do you stay grounded?
Grounding is connecting with the earth both physically and spiritually. It is also the process of balancing your physical, emotional, mental and energy state and reconnecting them.
On a physical level, grounding can involve practicing yoga poses that facilitate this connection to Earth – including techniques to ensure a solid base. You can ground yourself in any yoga pose by finding those points of connection to your mat, by ensuring you feel supported & centred. Breath control is an effective tool for focus your energy through your practice.
On an emotional level, grounding techniques can help distract you from feelings of anxiety, pain or anger, by redirecting your thoughts away from distressing emotions and back to the present.
On a spiritual level, it means tapping into the grounding energy of the earth.
Being ‘grounded’ often brings up the imagery of a strong tree with deep, well established roots. Grounding techniques and practices can help us plant the seeds for this growth, allow us to flow with changes whilst still growing roots deep inside the earth. When we are grounded we feel at ease and connected to the earth, safe in the knowledge that everything will take care of itself.
Here are our favourite grounding practices:
- Use a mantra or anchoring phrase to repeat to yourself throughout the day. Start with “I am…” and use a word that makes you feel grounded, confident, loved.
- Journal about your feelings. What are your “roots” and core feelings. What makes you feel grounded compared to what you feel now?
- Meditate or focus on the breath. Choose a meditation practice that helps you feel focused & centred. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nasal breathing) is a wonderful technique to balance & focus the mind.
- Get out in nature. Literally connect your bare feet to the earth!
- Yoga (of course!) The physical practice of asana, moving in a slow and controlled way whilst connecting with the breath. Choose ‘grounding’ as your intention.
Do you have your own grounding techniques? Write them down and keep the list close. Whenever you feel overwhelmed then look at your list and choose a practice to bring you back to the present.
Join us on the mat (either virtually or in person from Nov 9!) to explore practices to help you feel grounded. Also, Kula teacher Emily Thomas will be running a ‘Ground Yourself’ Slow Flow, Yin & Meditation Virtual Masterclass this Saturday, Nov 7 at 2pm via Zoom. Book your spot online at www.kulayoga.com.au
We’ll see you on the mat soon!
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Strengthen, energise, release & thrive with Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Slow Flow and Yin Yoga classes at our beautiful studios in Hawthorn & Hampton, in Boroondara and Bayside Melbourne.
Our studios also host regular yoga workshops, Victorian weekend yoga retreats, and overseas retreats to exotic places like Bali, Thailand & India. We also offer as a mobile yoga programs for community, school and corporate groups.
Our Hawthorn studio caters to the surrounding suburbs of Camberwell, Kew, Canterbury, Glen Iris, Richmond, Balwyn & Surrey Hills.
Our Hampton studio covers the Bayside communities of Brighton, Sandringham, Black Rock, Beaumaris, Highett, Moorabbin & Bentleigh.
Join our dedicated Online Studio with flexible membership options to allow you to complement your in studio classes with at home practice.
Enjoy our Intro Offer ~ 6 Classes for $50 ~ for newcomers to the studio, valid for 3 weeks from first use.
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