We’re not even 3 weeks into 2021, and already there are many distractions to take us away from our own inner peace. Today, let’s look at ways to get and stay grounded, connect back to ourselves, and align with our highest good, no matter what is going on around us.
CONNECT TO A BIGGER ENERGY
Do you believe there’s something bigger than you and me going on in the Universe?
I believe something pretty powerful must have made Planet Earth, not to mention all the other planets, stars and galaxies, right? You may call it God or a similar name, or believe in your own version of the Big Bang, but whatever it was, there’s no denying it’s got to be bigger than just little “you and me”.
My mum used to believe in fate. She would tell me “Gail, even if you go off track, God will make sure you come back to the life path you have chosen”.
These days it’s hard to believe this is true, given what we’re all going through.
Is it really possible we chose to go through this at this time?
Whether we’re here because we chose it or not, we’re in it now, and I know that for those of us who believe we’re connected to this “Bigger Energy”, it can truly be our saving grace. It certainly keeps me sane. After many deep dives into spirituality along the way, I now recognize this Universal Energy, Divine Love or God Consciousness as the intuitive knowing that guides me each day.
What I know for sure is this, it’s deep within me, and it’s deep within you.
The only problem is that although I believe this energy never leaves me, I find that I can often lose my connection to it.
Now more than ever, it’s important for each of us to find some quiet and calm while we navigate the madness that’s going on in our world. The following ideas are some of the ways I stay connected to the bigger energy and ultimately myself (or vice versa):
WALKING
Walking alone is an opportunity to find the quiet knowing that dwells inside each of us.
I have had a practice of taking walks alone for much of my life. As a teenager, the medieval cemetery in my hometown of Banff, Scotland was one place where I would spend hours. I’d sit and read the old stones, some dating back to 1100 and the Black Plague. Maybe like me you also enjoy wandering through old graveyards. I also loved walking for hours on the beach.
Walking gives us a chance to leave behind any worries which normally consume your daily life. As you spend time with yourself walking, use each solitary step to find a new rhythm for evoking peace. Walking is an easy way to evoke a slower heartbeat, gentle and steady breathing and provide space to connect to your own inner reverence.
Even if you only walk around the block, do it slowly and mindfully to feel the benefit of this easy practice. Enhance the experience by finding a favorite place in nature close to water or in trees.
MEDITATION
If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack you’ll know that it’s your body talking and you had better listen. Meditation can relieve anxiety and help deepen the mind body spirit connection. It’s also a practice without any religious connection and just as effective as prayer.
Meditation is as simple as taking 3 deep “belly” breaths, or laughing until your sides hurt. It can be as easy as eye-gazing with a loved one for 30 seconds, or sitting quietly just breathing for 20 minutes. It can be as therapeutic as painting or writing or as active as dancing or rock climbing.
Meditation is any kind of process where we allow our focus to be aligned with our heart and we let go of whatever thoughts may keep us from feeling free.
I have tried many ways to meditate and now enjoy 15-20 minutes each day sitting quietly and allowing my breath to be my focus. Turn off your phone, pull up a blanket, and don’t let yourself be distracted until the timer goes off. Be gentle with yourself as you notice thoughts come up, and let them move on like clouds in the sky or waves on the seashore. If it helps, keep a journal close by, and make quick notes if they are important enough to write down in the moment. Then close your eyes and go back to the breath.
I started with 4 minutes. You can too.
SALT BATHS
As part of the healing work I do, I often suggest to clients to take salt baths. I recommend 2 cups of Epsom Salts in a deliciously warm bath. Let the magnesium from the salts seep into the skin dissolving any aches or pains, and releasing any energy that doesn’t serve you. I find 15 – 20 minutes in the water is plenty of time to rejuvenate me and bring me back to myself. Doing this before bed provides an added way to relax further before sleep.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Music is a powerful easy medium which can create instant changes in state or emotion. There are many music Apps you can download to create different playlists to enjoy. Some playlists are already created by others but if you prefer create your own. I recently put together one called SOOTHING INSTRUMENTAL which features my favorite spiritual and relaxing piano, guitar, and spa tracks. I also have one called SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING which has some classical tunes, empowering mantras and mystical tracks.
Listening to music without words allows the mind to relax even more powerfully because no lyrics, and no message to think about, helps you be more in the body. When we shut off our mind, peace and calm comes more easily.
YOUR #1 PRIORITY IS YOU
All of these activities allow you to put yourself first and this is a MUST to feel safe, grounded and relaxed.
When you allow others’ needs to come above your own you are sure to get tired, grouchy and resentful. This is harmful for your psyche, physical body and spiritual connection.
Notice when taking time for YOU feels the hardest to do. This is when you least feel like doing it and that’s when you most need it. Especially meditation.
This list is not exhaustive but these are my favorite ways to find peace. Try one or all and see what works best for you.