I am remembering my first earthquake. I was working in an office in Southern California. I had heard what to do in case of an earthquake. I had theorized what I would do and where I would be. But I was caught off guard and found myself where I should not have gone. All because of panic.
Sometimes we find ourselves in situations we do not want to be in. Surrounded by a place, a time, people we do not want to be around. All in the name of what we define as safe.
Safety is important on many different levels. Where we sleep, where we live, what we eat, drink, and do.
In my once-a-week exercise class, we are learning to stand on a wobbly, soft, unstable blue piece of foam, and as I stand on it, I feel my body figuring out how to be stable. Being in a stable position is important.
Life is becoming a daily exercise of stability seeking. As I practice, I get better at keeping my balance, my head about me, my confidence in dealing with what comes up, and embracing community that helps hold space around me.
And yet, the world is changing. But truth be told I am still me. I still hold my values. I still am in a loving relationship and surrounded by my friends and family. I still AM (capital A-M).
Most often when I lose my way and get triggered and feel unsafe, I am ungrounded. Being grounded means I am fully in my body and not off somewhere dreading the future or worrying about the past. I am in my body.
Here are some helpful coping skills that focus on our senses and simple actions excerpted from the website https://www.compassionsensetherapy.com/
1. 5-4-3-2-1 Technique - Notice 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste.
2. Hold an object. Grab a small item (like a stone) and focus on its texture, weight, and temperature.
3. Temperature Awareness – Use a warm mug or an ice pack to feel the sensation of warmth or coolness.
4. Tense and Release – Gently tense and relax a part of your body, like your hands or shoulders, or even imagine this if physical movement is limited.
Grounding is about finding what helps you feel present. These techniques can offer calm without triggering uncomfortable feelings.
Giving yourself space by sitting in the power is helpful too. You are worth the time and effort.
Thanks for being part of my community and joining me.
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