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Grounding Techniques

Many women suffering from anxiety episodes often feel ungrounded and disorganized. There is a pervasive sense of "things falling apart." When anxiety episodes occur, it often takes a concentrated effort just to get through the day, accomplishing such basic daily tasks as cooking, housecleaning, taking care of children, or getting to work or school. The next two exercises teach you grounding techniques that will help you feel more centered and focused. Practicing either of these exercises will allow you to organize your energies and proceed more effectively with your daily routine.

Exercise 3: Oak Tree Meditation

• Sit in a comfortable position, your arms resting at your sides.

• Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Let your breathing be slow and relaxed.

• See your body as a strong oak tree. Your body is solid like the wide, brown trunk of the tree. Imagine sturdy roots growing from your legs and going down deeply into the earth, anchoring your body. You feel solid and strong, able to handle any stress.

• When upsetting thoughts or situations occur, visualize your body remaining grounded like the oak tree. Feel the strength and stability in your arms and legs.

• You feel confident and relaxed, able to handle any situation.

Exercise 4: Grounding Cord Meditation

• Sit in a comfortable position, your arms resting comfortably at your sides.

• Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Let your breathing be slow and relaxed.

• Imagine a thick wide cord attaching itself to the base of your spine. This is your grounding cord. It can be a thick piece of rope, a tree trunk, or any other material that feels strong and stable. Make sure your cord is wide and sturdy enough. Then imagine a thick metal hook attaching itself to the end of your cord.

• Now visualize your grounding cord dropping down two hundred feet below the earth and hooking on to the solid bedrock below the earth.

• Continue to breathe deeply and notice the sense of peace and stability that your grounding cord can bring you.

• Replace the cord with a new one each day or whenever you feel your emotions getting out of control.

Susan M. Lark M.D. (Excerpted from The Menopause Self Help Book)

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Reviewed: 02/2006