Being grounded is a concept we hear people talking about from time to time. It seems like a good thing, but it would be interesting to know exactly how people define the concept. It would also be interesting to know how people who consider themselves grounded got to that point in their lives. Perhaps meditation has something to do with it.
Of course, all of this is a teaser designed to pique your curiosity about how meditation retreats can actually help one feel grounded. So if feeling grounded is one of your goals, this post is for you. Let us get into it.
Pick Your Favorite Definition
We’ll begin by defining what it means to be grounded. This may not be a simple task insofar as there is no single definition everyone agrees on. The dictionary definition of ‘grounded’ suggests that it means being mentally and emotionally stable. In the world of psychology, being grounded means having the ability to control your emotions in times of stress.
Other definitions include:
- Having a firm sense of self.
- Feeling present in your body but connected with the earth, time, and space.
- Not posturing, withholding, or rejecting one’s feelings.
- Being down to earth and not pretending to be something you are not.
That is quite a range of definitions for such a simple word. Which definition is most accurate? All of them. And no, this isn’t a cop out.
Being truly grounded actually touches all the various components of the many definitions. A grounded person has a firm sense of self. They feel present and connected with the world. Emotions do not control a grounded person.
The Role of Meditation
So, what does any of this have to do with meditation? Meditation, in its many forms, is really about slowing down and being in the moment. Being present in the moment is the primary goal of most meditation retreats, regardless of whether they emphasize sound healing, yoga, breathwork, or any other discipline.
Some people meditate because it is a way to de-stress in a world that demands so much of them. Others meditate to get a better sense of self; to become more aware of who they are on the inside. Still others meditate to enter a deep state of relaxation and calm as they seek to make deeper connections with the universe.
It is all good. It’s all necessary. And it is all about taking control of oneself rather than allowing the external world to maintain its control. If nothing else, meditation retreats give participants an opportunity to step back, recharge, and regain control of their inner selves.
Peace, Rest, and Stability
Meditation retreats are also an open door to discovering peace, rest, and emotional stability. By learning to meditate, you open a whole new world of self-discovery where you are not constantly exhausted by the physical world you live in. Guess what? A person who is grounded exhibits that sort of peace, rest, and stability.
The thing about feeling grounded is that it may not be persistent. You might feel grounded for two or three days, then suddenly feel like the world is falling apart on the fourth day. This is why regular meditation is such a good thing. Taking time to meditate every day can help a person remain grounded day in and day out.
Meditation and feeling grounded go hand-in-hand. If you have been considering attending a meditation retreat, also consider the fact that you may come away from it feeling more grounded than you ever have before. That is a good thing.
