You live in chaotic times. With electronic media, you are inundated with news from around the world twenty-four hours a day. Most news is negative, full of fear, violence, and despair. You feel weighted down by negativity. You want to experience joy without having to put your head in the sand. Here are seven ways to stay grounded despite all this and enjoy life.

1.        

Practising mindfulness is a great place to start. Mindfulness is a meditation practice to help you to live in the moment. The good news is that living in the moment does not require you to silence the mind. It is normal for your mind to think just as it is for your heart to beat.

 

Mindfulness can help you to quiet the mind through not getting overly attached to your thoughts. If you have not done this before you will need lots of practice just because you are starting a new habit. Start small with a goal you can achieve. So, you might want to start meditating for only five minutes a day.

Your daily practice can help you to reconnect with your highest self-leading to a more meaningful life. You are at your best when you are open to your three energy centers. The three centers are a body (physical), heart, (emotions) and head (thoughts). You will discover an inner knowing that you will grow to trust. Over time you will find your inner peace that will help you to live with hope, joy, and purpose.

2.        

You have probably heard this statement before “You are what you eat”. When you are grounded you pay more attention to how your physical and emotional self-responds to different types of food. Your body will let you know what it needs.

Your body will also let you know what type of exercise it needs. Have you heard that you should exercise until it hurts? You can seriously hurt yourself if you don’t pay attention to the wisdom of your body. If your body is hurting you probably have pushed yourself too far.

Your body is unique to you. What another person need’s does not necessarily mean you need the same thing. If you have tried, unsuccessfully, many exercises and diet programs do not despair. The more you practice mindfulness the better you will be with giving your body what it needs.

3.        

Spending time in person with good friends can brighten your day. Have you noticed the difference between messaging, texting, talking on the phone and visiting in person? Meeting in person is always the most powerful way to connect with another person.

Most importantly you communicate not only with your words but with your whole body. There is much you miss when you can not see the other person face to face, body to body.  When you are grounded, you can learn a lot about another person by how you feel inside yourself. You simply need to be open, to fully experiencing another person and be willing to go deep within yourself.

Have you noticed that you treat and are treated better when you are in person because there is no place to hide? There is much hatred and intolerance on social media because people don’t have to take ownership for what they say.

4.        

Listen to music/songs that inspire you. What is your favorite song? Have you ever noticed what you experience on hearing different types of music and songs? Many of us are oblivious to how music impacts us.

Music and songs can touch as at a deep level. Some music gets us angry. Some music brings us feelings of peace. Some music is very disturbing. Have you ever reflected on how screenwriters use music and song to heighten the emotions in a movie?

 

What music calms your mind? What are the songs that help you to cry?  What songs bring out the courage in you? Just remember what brings out these emotions in you won’t necessarily bring it out the same way in another person.

5.        

Practising random acts of kindness not only helps others, it changes the way you experience the world.  Have you noticed how good you feel after doing something positive for another person, an animal and/or for the environment? Acting with love changes the way you experience the world.

When you act with compassion your own energy is transformed. The energy of compassion permeates your whole being. You may not always be aware of it but the people you meet are impacted by the emotional, spiritual and physical energy that emanates from you.

You attract the people with the same type of energy you have. Compassion attracts people with compassion. Calm attracts people who are calm. Contentment attracts people who are content. You will also attract those who desire to change. You can be a shining light for those caught in the storms of life.

6.       Do you remember the joy of playing when you were a child? Playing helps you to find the inner child within you. A way of being when you are open, free and non-judgemental allowing you to experience the world through the lens of wonder and simplicity.

Growing up you have had to put on armor to protect you from all that all life throws at you. This is your ego at work. You could not survive without your ego, but as an adult, it can hamper your growth. The good news is that with play you can rekindle that same spirit in you again.

Finding your true self can begin a long journey for transformation. When you can begin to reside in this place of openness, wisdom and love suddenly the impossible is possible.

7.        

Volunteer for an awesome non-profit organization is a great way to find hope, meaning, and joy in life. What are your favorite non-profits? How would you like to make a difference in the world? What skills do you have to offer?

There are so many ways to volunteer in the world. Do you like to work in teams or do you work the best work alone?  Maybe this will even lead to a job of your dreams.

Volunteering with a group that fits your values can change the way you see the world. When you feel good about what you do; you can change your emotions, your body chemistry and the lens which you see the world. The world will start to look a lot friendlier. You can choose to move from despair to hope. You will be a light to the world.

With intention, you can stay grounded no matter what is happening in the world.  Stay grounded through caring for your body, emotions, and thoughts. Meditation helps you to stay in touch with your inner self. Caring for your body through exercise and eating well is life-giving. Connecting with friends helps you to stay connected. Music and songs uplift your spirit. Playing, like a child opens your heart to experience the world with openness. Last and not least, volunteer for an organization that fits your values which helps you to radiate hope wherever you go.

 

Roland Legge offers life coaching through REL Consultants for individuals, couples, families, and executives to help them to be the best they can be. For more information please arrange for a free 30-minute discovery call by phoning Roland at 1 306 620-7478 or book your appointment online.  Please click on “Discovery Call”.