We entered a global pandemic and so much changed for our world, our family life, work life, relationships and for ourselves.  I believe there is something that is being revealed to each of us by having lived during this global pandemic. Some of us will see the learning and act upon it and others will see it and go back to “normal.”
 
What is “normal?”  I keep mulling that around in my head. Was my pre-pandemic life “normal?”  Do I want to return to that “normal” or create a new way of being and living?  I am seeing the word choice popping into this conversation.  What will my choice be, what will your choice be?
 
I looked up the definition of normal: Conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.
My soul interpreted that definition as “living in a box" ... that shook me to my core ... "conforming to a standard...usual, typical and expected" – what is that???  Who decides what that is?? My body shutters with that definition as it relates to my life!
 
I go back to the word choice.  I/we are at choice in how we want to return to life when the stay in place orders are lifted. I have lived so differently the last several weeks.  In the beginning I was hyperventilating about being an extravert in an introvert world – and today, I have settled more into that quieter, less hectic and reflective world … I’m liking it.  Wow, if you would have asked me a year ago if I wanted to live an introvert lifestyle I would have responded “Heck NO!”  
 
We have all had personal shifts over these last several weeks.   I have learned to draw and paint, I have done workouts on Zoom with my gym people, I have baked, I have gotten closer to my husband, I have connected with friends in Australia for cocktail hour, I have had introspective conversations with friends, I have started setting boundaries on my time and where I spend it, and I have more cuddles with my pets.  One of the greatest gifts has been igniting my creativity – my mind and soul is reeling with ideas! 
 
When our country begins to open, I believe we are all at a crossroad … what has been revealed to us and who we want to be moving forward is going to be a decision that we all have?  What will be different for you? How will you decide to live your life?
 
“Life lived by conscious decision is powered by YOU!”
Marilyn Crouch – The Thought Organizer
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We all have those times in our day where we are feeling a little stressed, a lot stressed or just not feeling ourselves.  Right now, many of us have added stress with living in a pandemic reality.  Our lives changed in a very short time, we have had to adjust to new ways of living, shopping, family dynamics, work dynamics and financial changes.  It has not been easy.  Stress has set in for some of us in familiar and unfamiliar ways.
 
Being stressed disconnects us to our body, floods our brain with fight or flight chemicals and does not allow our brain to think in a clear manner.   Starting a grounding practice can bring immediate calm into your body and mind.   Grounding brings an almost instant calming effect because it is reducing cortisol levels (a stress hormone).
 
As we move through this unchartered time, it is incredibly important that we are honoring of our self-right now.  Being our best self can help us handle the added stresses, mental clutter and new challenges we face.  Being our best self can help us to see there may be some gifts during this time … spending more time with family, connecting with people you haven’t spoken to in a long time, starting a new craft/hobby, etc.   
 
If you have time to do a 15-minute grounding that is great.  If you only have a few seconds, that is ok to; as you are setting an intention to be grounded. Here are some quick steps to getting grounding:

• Stand or sit
• Feel your feet on the ground (if you’re outside, put your feel on grass/soil if you can)
• Close your eyes
• Breathe – breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth
• As you breathe, notice tight places in your body and breathe into those places – as you breathe in ... breathe in calm…as you breathe out release stress
• Notice the sensations in your body and release any that do not feel supporting of you
• Reap to yourself “I am grounded”
• Bring yourself back to the present by gently rubbing your hands together and softly opening your eyes
• You have changed the chemicals in your brain, you  connected with your body and set the intention to be grounded.

 
If you would like to have a guided grounding, visit our website for a 3 minute and a quick grounding.  At times I find I only have a few seconds to get grounded – I may do it in the shower, standing at my front door, etc.  It’s possible to get grounded in a few seconds – set your intention and so it is!