What are the things that help you stay grounded?

[valet]

Guys and gals of the board, I feel like I'm having trouble staying grounded lately.

I'm going through a transitional period right now. Taking a huge 19 day backpacking trip across Eastern Europe starting next week and moving back to the States to attend a master's program come mid-July.

A lot of my friends are leaving the country, some are traveling, and the locals that I've made friends with are all busy with life, work, or exams. I haven't been nearly as socially active as I was the past 4-5 months, and I find myself spending a lot of time alone, watching movies, reading, and writing. This doesn't really bother me too much. I understand that people have lives, and I'm pretty good in a state of solitude.

I feel like I've been thinking a little bit too much, however, about myself, what life means to me, and what the significance of my experiences in the past year will amount to for me in the future. The rational part of my brain is saying that this is just a period of great upheaval (which, by the evidence presented, would ring pretty logical), but my emotional brain feels in the clouds at moments. These moments have seemingly increased as of late, and I think that it is because I have failed to stay grounded in both my present, and the positivity of my immediate future.

So, what does everyone do to stay grounded when you start to feel a little bit out in space?

[Lucky Jim]

Hey Valet, Here are some suggestions:

Take deep breaths; meditate; listen to your gut feelings; pay attention to small desires; when you come across something that intrigues you, try to follow the "golden thread" to its source; strive to be authentic; learn to love yourself; make choices that reflect your true nature; become who you already are . . .

I could go on, but you get the idea.  Hiking trip sounds great!

LuckyJim

[fromheeltoheal]

Lots of whiskey!  Kidding, been there, done that, doesn't work long-term.

Vigorous exercise works for me, ideally out in nature, which is why that backpacking trip will be ideal, although it won't be routine, sounds like you're in the middle of a lot of things that aren't routine right now.  Hold on and enjoy the ride!

I know scattered pretty well, and when I get too far out there I make diet, sleep and exercise the priorities, go to bed at the same time every night, and spend the first half hour of the next day visualizing the day and how I want to show up in it, and then off to the races.  Doesn't always work, life tends to show up, but at least I supported myself and adjusted my focus to begin with.