Seeking Ground
Have you noticed the pace of life as of late, the hyper-speed at which we are constantly plugged into some form of tech device? As creative beings we were not meant to be processing machines, who are being inundated with sensory input on a regular basis. The demand of that lifestyle is consuming and a recipe for burnout. If you’re not feeling weary or depleted by some of the impacts of the pandemic you are among the few. Speaking for myself I notice that this new reality breeds a level of isolation that is unique to the generation that has endured some of the impact of lock-down life. I’ve found personally that the best way to reconnect with myself when I’m feeling depleted, stressed or overstimulated is to actually unplug from devices. It might sound counter intuitive if you’re feeling isolated and wanting to seek a touch point for connection, however connecting within is key for finding a sense of personal well-being and internal satisfaction. We’re so conditioned to strive and chase when actually slowing down offers a moment of breathing room to allow for healing to begin.
We have experienced a collective trauma with this global pandemic, not to mention the disproportionate impact of its ravaging cruelty on communities of color. I’ve been blown away by some of the increased mental health struggles that have incurred due to the compounded stress everyone is enduring. Taking a moment to pause might sound like a luxury but in actually it’s a necessity to allow for one to stay more deeply present and engaged in doing the work. Non-negotiable routines are so vital in this season to cultivate care and grounding to allow for transition points. The relentless consolidation of our schedules is contributing to the systemic pressure and unsustainable demand on our nervous systems. I say this as an invitation to create margin, that’s where breathing room is allowed to fuel us towards resiliency.
We must come home to our bodies and quiet-down the noise to begin hearing the music of what our body is actually desiring to convey. Creating sacred spaces to land and re-set are necessary to gather oneself and gain footing again. If we look at the body as an ally in this process towards healing, increasing awareness allows for you to take inventory of how you’re being impacted by life’s daily stressors. I’d like to highlight the importance of embodiment (being more rooted in your body), which can help to re-connect with emotions on a deeper level and find balance and nourishment. Integrating grounding practices can help you better move through tender feelings that might be showing up, in turn it opens up space for a healthier relationship towards self and others. Slowing down helps to connect with wants and needs, the process of identifying emotions is the beginning of that journey. When we’re dysregulated it’s almost impossible to settle and listen to what your body might be trying to convey (hunger, tiredness, loneliness). We often shift towards one of two categories, over or under functioning as a way to gather back a sense of control when feeling a sense of powerlessness.
Finding balance and rest is an invitation to step off of the hamster wheel and find our pulse again, take a breath and be reminded of what really matters. Through cultural conditioning we’ve become so addicted to our devices and they’ve also become our livelihood as well as a way to connect with loved ones who are long-distance. What is meant to be a tool often times becomes a machine that fuels anxiety and increases cortisol levels. We must change our relationship with technology, having boundaries with its uses so that it can become a platform for healing instead of a vehicle for more of the same. Integrating grounding practices of writing and meditation can nurture a healthier relationship to the self and others. Slowing down is a form of gentle homecoming, finding restful rhythms of renewal during a time when your body craves genuine care is one of the greatest resources you can protect and nurture. It is your responsibility to honor the practices that help you thrive and not merely survive.