Grounding your body in the safety of right here, right now

Our lives here in the US have been upended in 2020 by Covid, racial inequality protests, economic distress and, right now, an election that promises uncertainty even after voting is over.

Data from a new survey from the American Psychological Association finds that this election is a significant source of stress for more than two-thirds of American adults. And a new report  from the nonpartisan organization More in Common found 70% of survey Americans are worried about the possibility that communities may experience widespread violence after election results are announced.

A lot of us are feeling anxious, scared, helpless, even powerless … heavy emotions to hold while also managing multiple other stressors.

Mindfulness skills and awareness can help us stay resilient during times like this even if the only mindfulness skill you have right now is noticing that you are feeling really scared right now.

If you notice you are feeling scared, agitated or even angry; find yourself constantly worrying about little or big things; and/or experiencing a sense of gloom and hopelessness about the future, your body is most likely trying to protect you in some way and, unbeknownst to you, you are probably in ‘fight or flight’.

To help quiet the worry, panic, or hopelessness it is best to acknowledge it is happening rather than trying to avoid it or distract from it. Re-orienting ourselves to the here and now, versus worrying about the future, can help connect to the safety of the present moment. When your body receives messages that you are safe your body is capable of disengaging from ‘fight or flight’ and can move into the parasympathetic nervous system, where there is safety and the ability to thrive. 

The 6+ minute meditation below will guide you through connecting with all five of your senses so you can ground yourself in the safety of right here, right now. 

Listen Now to be guided through present moment awareness of being safe in the here-and-now.