I’ve been feeling behind on everything lately. Work projects, home chores, holiday prep, special events, an absurdly full inbox – this time of year is a lot. Even this newsletter is getting out to you a bit late!
When I’m abuzz with to-do’s and scrambling to keep up, I need practical tools for grounding myself. Otherwise, the stress turns into stuff I’d rather avoid, like muscle tension, irritability, lack of focus, trouble sleeping, and a general feeling of being out of control.
To help ground myself, one of the things I’ve been turning to is my beaded mindfulness bracelet, and the five-minute practice that goes with it.
I start by taking off my bracelet, and holding the large grounding bead in my fingers. I relax, close my eyes, breathe, and feel the weight of my body being supported by gravity.
Once I’m settled, I slowly work my way around the bracelet, holding each bead in turn. The four intention beads guide me to:
- Let go of something that isn’t serving me.
- Be grateful for something or someone in my life.
- Extend love, kindness, and compassion toward someone or something.
- Receive, with an open heart, whatever I most need today.
By the time I circle back to the grounding bead, I feel better–more centered, more peaceful, more hopeful, with a better perspective on life. The swirl of stress and tasks seems less threatening and more manageable.
Ahhh… it will all be okay.
If you’re interested in these mindfulness beads for yourself (or perhaps as a gift for someone on your list), I invite you to check them out on my website. Each unique, hand-crafted bracelet comes with a pretty jewelry bag, and printed instructions for the accompanying mindfulness practice.
Every moment of groundedness is a gift. When we can mentally bracket all that’s bonkers—and just sink into that wise, aware, connected place within—it leaves us feeling calm and capable. (Yep, even if we’re still behind on everything!)
Throughout the coming weeks and into the New Year, may the gift of groundedness be yours.
