Let’s be real: life feels pretty uncertain right now. Political upheaval has a way of doing that. And if you’re anything like me, that uncertainty can quickly spiral into fear—perhaps even a minor panic attack. Sometimes when we gaze out at the world—or even at our own life—everything we assumed we could rely on seems suddenly in question.
Now I’ll freely admit something. My immediate reaction, when I feel threatened or things appear out of control, is to push those emotions aside, pretend I can tough it out, or even try to “figure it all out,” as if that were even possible. However, here’s what I’ve learned over time: what we resist persists. There’s great truth to this realization. Denying those emotions tends to give them more power, to make them feel even more unmanageable. Sound familiar?
So what then is the other choice? Rather than trying to escape the discomfort, lean into it, embrace it. I understand; it’s not simple. It sounds like the last thing anyone would wish to do. The secret, though, is allowing the fear to exist and observing it without allowing it to rule. This helps to disarm it. Fear’s grip on us diminishes the more we are open to simply sitting with it, instead of battling it. By leaning into the fear we allow it to pass through us.
Accepting the Present Without “Fixing” It
I’ve also come to see that attempting to control the future is really useless. (To be honest, if it worked, I would’ve perfected it by now!) Our response to what’s happening today, right now, is the only thing we really have any control over. And that’s where grounding comes into play.
Grounding, to me, is not about “blocking out” anxiety or acting as though everything is good. It’s about keeping connected to my surroundings and myself, so I won’t lose my footing when life starts to spin. “I see you, fear;” grounding is my way of saying. “I’m aware that you’re present. And I’ll remain with you, right here in this instant.”
How I Stay Grounded When Uncertainty Hits
Everybody grounds in different ways; honestly, it can be super easy. Here are a few suggestions that help me:
- Mindful Breathing: A few slow, deep breaths can be quite beneficial. They act an an anchor to the present moment. Simply concentrate on the sensation of air coming in and going out.
- Movement: Whether it’s a quick stroll, a bit of stretching, or even shaking out my hands, moving my body helps me stay connected to the here and now. It also releases some of that tension that can develop when we’re anxious.
- Sensory Check-in: I’ll pause for a few moments to focus on my senses—what I can see, hear, feel, smell. Sometimes the easiest thing to notice is how my feet feel on the ground. Focusing on small details can be remarkably grounding.
- Affirmations of the Present: I remind myself that, right now, everything is okay. I have a roof over my head, food to eat, and I’m safe. This helps me to remember that I’m able to manage what’s directly in front of me even though everything is not miraculously “fixed.
Letting Go of the Need to Know
Our society is one that loves to be in control. We are told that we can ensure our future by simply planning well enough, considering carefully enough, or “fixing” enough. But that’s not how life actually works; never has either. Really, no amount of worry can predict the events of tomorrow. Among the most freeing activities I’ve ever engaged in is learning to sit with this simple fact. I would argue that it’s the definition of faith.
Not that I have it all figured out—far from it! But I’ve discovered over the years that fear loses much of its influence over me when I embrace my own discomfort and let myself be present with it. Every time I remain rooted in the present, I’m choosing to react to life from a position of serenity and resiliency rather than anxiety or panic.
You’re not alone if you find yourself weighed down by uncertainty. Try one of these grounding exercises or discover your own means of cultivating presence. It’s not easy; I won’t lie. But gradually leaning into the unknown, and into discomfort, instead of resisting it can lead to an unexpected calm.
Let’s face uncertainty together, not by trying to control it but by deciding to be present with it, one breath at a time.