Have you ever woken up, checked the news, and right away felt as if the rug had been pulled from under you? For sure I’m not alone in this. I scan through the most recent headlines some mornings and, before I know it, a wave of frustration, disbelief, even despair strikes. I find myself paralyzed before the day’s even begun. I’m simply sitting there in a haze.
Given the world seems to be always changing, always in upheaval, it can be a lot to absorb. And if you’re like me, perhaps you find yourself wondering, “How can I remain grounded and focused when everything seems so chaotic?”
Why Inner Stability Matters (Especially if You’ve Experienced Trauma)
For those who’ve gone through challenging events such as childhood trauma, instability in the world around us can seem overwhelming. Traumatic events—especially those we might not even completely remember—can make us particularly sensitive to situations that seem chaotic or dangerous. It makes sense, then, that we might feel a little more strongly than others when the world starts throwing curve-balls.
In these cases, finding stability within ourselves becomes much more crucial. It’s like creating an internal anchor we can grab onto regardless of our external circumstances. This is about figuring out how to navigate it all without sacrificing ourselves—it’s not about ignoring or dismissing what’s happening.
A Bit of Wisdom Inspired by Daoism
In Daoist thought, everything in life is seen as ever changing and transforming. The aim, while keeping this thought in mind, is to achieve harmony within ourselves, not fight the mayhem all around us. This inner equilibrium helps us to ride out the ups and downs of life without losing direction.
Naturally, though, it’s easier said than done. That’s why I want to share a simple practice to help build that inner stability. I return to this whenever I sense the ground shifting; hopefully, it will do the same for you.
A Simple Grounding Exercise to Start Your Day
This is a super grounding, short, and simple exercise. For those days when the world seems especially chaotic, I see it as a “reset button.” Inspired by Daoist principles, this breathing technique will help you link with your body and discover a peaceful center.
The Practice
- Find a Quiet Spot: Find a place to sit comfortably. Close your eyes if you like.
- Start with Deep Breaths: Start with some calm, deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and then exhaling through your mouth. As you exhale, let your shoulders relax and release any tightness.
- Shift Your Focus to Abdominal Breathing: Now place one hand on your abdomen, below your belly button. Deeply inhale, letting your tummy rise with every breath. Let your belly fall as you exhale. Try to maintain consistent slow breaths.
- Visualize a Strong Anchor: As you breathe, picture yourself anchored by something strong and steady—such as roots growing deep into the ground or a solid rock ready to resist any storm. Feel that sense of stability rising within you with every breath.
- Stay for a Few Moments: Breathe this way for a few more breaths; with each inhale and exhale, feel yourself growing more rooted.
Though basic, this practice can be really potent. It reminds us that, even in an environment that seems unstable, we can establish stability within ourselves.
Managing What We Absorb
A part of developing inner stability is also becoming aware of what we allow into our lives. We will inevitably feel a little off-balance if we are continuously consuming upsetting news or too-heavy social media feeds. Every time I’m reminded that it’s acceptable to take a step back; I know I’m guilty of occasionally obsessing on the news.
Establishing media boundaries has been quite useful with this. This is more about safeguarding my mental space than about burying my head in the sand. Perhaps it’s something you could also try: deciding on certain times of day you can check the news, for instance, or restricting the amount of time you spend consuming social media.
Finding Peace in Small Steps
Learning to cultivate inner stability takes time. If you’re dealing with unresolved trauma it can seem much more difficult. Small, steady measures can help you to develop a sense of inner peace that can be quite freeing and empowering.
Try beginning with this breathing practice and see how it feels. Remember—this is about progress more than perfection. And every time you practice, you’re strengthening that internal anchor so you can discover tranquility even in the midst of chaos.
Final Thoughts
Times like these make it impossible for us to control everything going on around us. One breath at a time, though, we can focus on stoking an inner sense of equilibrium. Let’s so begin with small actions and a consistent emphasis on developing resilience from the inside out. One of the most liberating things we can do for ourselves is, after all, establishing stability within.