I’ve been practicing yoga for years, but sometimes my mind wanders. Until one session, I focused on my breath and how my body felt. Being present in my body, rather than my mind, felt grounding. Although I experienced that moment, I still slip into thinking about what’s next instead of what’s right now. Mindfulness helps bring us back, and it doesn’t have to come from yoga alone. It can be found in a deep breath, a quiet walk, or a moment of stillness. Staying grounded looks different for everyone. What does it look like for you?
Listening to Your Body
As someone who finds comfort in daydreaming, being present is challenging for me. I learned how to dream when I was bored or wanted to escape reality. Being present in my body felt like a reality check that I didn’t want. But I’ve realized that I don’t have to disconnect from my body to avoid discomfort. Instead, I can notice the sensations and explore where they come from. If I’m constantly bored, it’s a sign to try something new. If I don’t like my current reality, I can set goals that align with what I truly want. Our body is speaking, but are we willing to listen?
Recognizing Physical Sensations
How do you know when you’re sad, happy, or scared? Our body tells us through physical sensations. Have you ever noticed how you feel less energized when you feel sad versus when you feel happy? Sadness tends to feel heavier in our bodies, which can slow us down. Our emotions are signals, and sometimes the key to processing them is to be present with their sensations. Is it a lump in our throat, a pit in our stomach, or a burst of energy? These sensations are there to help us process. What sensations have you been experiencing lately?
Processing Difficult Emotions
How do you process difficult emotions? Is it through avoidance or self-reflection? I’ve done both. But avoidance keeps us disconnected, while journaling helps us to reconnect. Start by exploring your emotions rather than judging them. Think of emotions as information and not bad news. We need information to understand ourselves. Being grounded doesn’t mean avoiding discomfort; it means learning to regulate your emotions in a healthy way. When was the last time you felt sad, and how did you handle it?
Finding Your Ground
If you’re anything like me, you might struggle with staying grounded from time to time. This realization isn’t meant to make you feel bad; it’s meant to give you insight. We can all benefit from being more present with ourselves. What does that look like for you? Choose one small way you’ll practice mindfulness this week. My hope is that you discover the gift of this moment.