The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds--Not Crushes--Your Soul

by Brad Stulberg

Here’s how the pieces come together: Accept where you are. This is often the hardest part of getting where you want to go. Use the lens of a wise observer to see your situation clearly without becoming fused to it. If your situation and your awareness of your situation begin to collapse on each other, pause, realize what is happening, take a few deep breaths, and zoom back out to gain space. If you start judging yourself or your situation harshly, or find yourself spiraling into rumination, try to practice self-compassion. This is what is happening right now. I’m doing the best I can. Once you feel like you’ve evaluated your situation from a place of acceptance and clarity, choose a response that aligns with your core values. You are making a conscious choice, responding instead of impulsively reacting. In many ways, this is the embodiment of wisdom. Act in accordance with your values, even if you don’t feel like it. Mood follows action. All of this is a lot easier said than done. But with repetition and practice this cycle gradually becomes more natural.