Grounding — A Virtue

I work as a Real Estate Agent. And while there’s parts I absolutely love about my job, there’s a lot I do not. Such as, juggling 4–5 emotionally-heavy “loops” — let’s call it — all at the same time. It’s not uncommon that I have over 100 text threads going in one day. And let’s not get started with email.

I know I’m not alone in this.

Over-stimulation is status quo now.

Constant notifications, non-stop communication, over-abundance blue-light screen time, just EVERYTHING. It does. not. stop.

A lot of days, I just feel gross. Like I’ve “done it again”. Like I’ve sinned.

The question becomes, how do you combat over-stimulation?

The answer I’ve found is this: Grounding.

One of the Webster’s definitions of grounding is this: To connect.

Which begs the question, to connect to what? I’d make the argument that when we connect to the present moment, we are stepping close to God, to the Infinite.

I’d make the argument that when we connect to the present moment, we are stepping closer to God, to the Infinite.

Here’s three simple ways I’ve began to combat over-stimulation and started to “Ground” my life in the present moment:

1. I go for a walk.

But, oftentimes, my mind is spinning and the entire time. So, what do I do? I pay close attention to my foot hitting the ground. Like in meditation, you need an anchor. My anchor is my foot touching the ground, and releasing. Again. And again. Notice.

2. I practice the “Joy Protocol” given to me by my coach, Ben (@joyprotocol).

It’s a thought practice:

• First, get into your senses. (ie. notice the pressure of your legs on a cushion, notice your chest rising and falling with each breath)
• Next, notice something immediate you’re grateful for. (ie. the warmth of sun on your skin)
• Then, notice something meaningful you’re grateful for. (ie. the fact you live in a safe home)
• Lastly, bring to mind the challenge you face. What’s the opportunity in that challenge? (ie. you have an extremely busy day — how does this help you become more effective and efficient with your time going forward?)

Every time I do this thought practice, my joy immediately elevates.

Try it on your next commute to work.

And lastly…

3. Relationships.

There’s a reason God created us for relationship. It brings you closer to Him.

Being close to someone you love and connecting with them can even change your biological hormone levels — more serotonin, more oxytocin — presence, affection, peace.

The best way to ground yourself in the present moment is to lose yourself to the people around you.

I suck at this! I’m constantly thinking about how I can get myself ahead. How I can optimize. What I have to accomplish. This is not grounding.

Take a moment. Pause. Stare deeply at the person you’re with. Love them fully and deeply. I promise you’ll feel 100% grounded in that moment.

Photo by Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash

To Recap — three ways I’ve began to practice Grounding are these:

1. Go for a meditative walk.
2. Try the thought practice: Joy Protocol.
3. Mindfulness in relationships. Being intentional in your love.

I hope that you will try to focus on at least one of these, and maybe all three. I know they’ve helped me.