What does it mean to be grounded? It sounds like a new age term, calling up images of crystals and feathers and unwashed hair. Really, being grounded is nothing more than being present, here and now. 
The question arises, how can you not be present? Are you not alive in this moment? Your chest moves with each shallow breath. You may be slumping in your chair, with music blaring and bouncing off the walls. But if you are not aware of yourself, you’re not entirely present.

Perhaps as you sit in front of your computer, you can imagine that you see me. Perhaps you’re even doing what I call time traveling, imagining you’re somewhere else.  You might be lamenting a past digression or planning for a future mishap. Not one of these activities involves being grounded in the here and now.

What would you say to being here and now?  You start by tuning into the sensations around you. For example, if you’re at a swimming pool, being grounded means smelling the damp chlorinated water,  feeling the harsh concrete, catching the wavering neon lights reflected on the swirling water, and hearing the echoing voices of earnest participants.

Is it hard for you to stay grounded in the present moment? What price do you pay? When finished, where do you return? When do you say, “I’m back”?

I hope you will accept my challenge to live right here in this present moment. Can you do it?  If not for me, then for you.

 

 

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