Staying Centered in an Off-kilter World

To say these are challenging times is an understatement. World events, assaults to the environment, human rights violations, division, violence, many would say this is a difficult time to witness.

I’ve struggled a bit lately with my own place amidst the clamor. How do I practice, much less teach, things like gratitude and compassion and empathy when I am bombarded with horrific news reports? How do I stay centered and grounded and calm, when there is distress all around me? How do I not surrender to the anxiety and fear, when friends and family members talk with me about their own fears?

I write in the first person, because this is my path. I am sharing what works for me. I recognize we each have our own journeys and that not everyone feels ungrounded. What you feel, is what you feel, neither good nor bad, it just is, and it’s not my intent to say that anything in you needs to change. I share what works for me, and to offer some suggestions, for those who are seeking change.

This brings up a memory of a visit by a of Buddhist monk. Tim and I attended the gathering, question and answer followed by lovingkindness meditation. Tim asked the question: “How do you stay calm in a world that is in chaos?” The simple answer from the monk, “My world is not in chaos.” So, is this all perception?

Most definitely yes. Yet, it is in our nature to perceive things as being a certain way. It served its purpose as we evolved. And knowing it is perception, means I can change that perception. Shifting my focus from fear to safety is not necessarily easy, yet I believe it’s how I become most productive in bringing about the peace that I want to see. But what is the process?

For some, it may be as simple as a mantra. Something to pull us to a place of feeling safe. Your mantra can act as your touchstone to remind you to stay grounded. My friend Carolynne uses one when she walks taking on the same cadence as her steps. Hers goes like this (and I’m very sure she won’t mind you using it): “I am grounded, centered and balanced. I am open and receptive to your instruction and guidance [intuition]. I am in divine order.”

What other ways can staying grounded show up in our daily lives? Here are some ways that work for me:

Get out in nature
There’s nothing like being in nature to help me to feel grounded and centered, to remind me to stay in the present moment. A quiet walk on a forest path, a stroll on the beach, a yoga session al fresco, a walk on a labyrinth and of course forest bathing all work as does my newest ritual, watching the sunset over the water each day.

Journaling
I’m still working on the journaling method that works for me, and I keep pursuing it, because I know it can be quite powerful. Just getting your feelings out on paper can be a grounding practice.

Taking some time out
Each day, I take time out from the internet. While I’m not a social media fan, I know it has its place, but too much can be overwhelming. Likewise the news feeds that mysteriously appear in my email, when I never signed up. I find the best way to disconnect, is to disconnect. Especially in the evening before bed.

Establish a routine
Routines are predictable when things around us are not. My routine includes meditation and exercise, the two most powerful practices to keep me grounded and centered. I like to focus my meditations on compassion and gratitude, so I make sure and include some lovingkindness each time.

Reach out to friends
When I feel overwhelmed, knowing I’m not alone helps, and most often, we bring each other back to center.

If you’re looking for ways to come back to center in a world that’s off-kilter, try including one or all of these practices to your day. And if you have some others, please share in the comments so that others might benefit.