The news seems to change every hour, and social distancing, masks, job loss, economic disarray and paranoia are the norms. On the one hand, we know God never changes, and on the other hand, it seems the world fluctuates by the minute. How can we find peace and stability amid such turmoil?
As a counselor, I often use a technique called grounding with clients who are experiencing high levels of dysregulation or anxiety. Traditionally, grounding involves anything that helps your nervous system begin to calm down as you seek relief from distress and move towards peace. Grounding usually involves engaging with your five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch. The goal is to get to a place of connection with your body which will alleviate your mind from working so hard.
Even if you don’t suffer from anxiety, the general unease that swirls around you during this pandemic can feel like a bit much. If this rings true for you, there’s a particular flavor of grounding that I love to engage with that may help you as well: God’s creation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. – Psalm 62:6
Grounding in God’s Creation
God’s creation, the natural world around us, reminds us of the stability we have in Christ. The physical earth beneath your feet proclaims a good and steady God that is not shaken by the hardships we face.
Like God, rocks and hillsides remain immovable. Trees are a reflection of God’s strength, and rivers are a hint at his holy movements. Flowers remind us of his inherent joy and creativity. The sky speaks to God’s watchful care over us, and the dirt of the earth whispers his unseen, hidden plans. God is unshakeable, and his creation reminds us of that truth every day.
As we ground in God’s creation, our brains actually form new neural pathways that allow us to more easily access peace. When we continue to practice grounding, those neural pathways become stronger and stronger, and before long, we have immediate access to near-instant ways of managing stress while simultaneously communing with God. Intriguing, isn’t it? Kind of makes you want to run outside right now and get your hands dirty in the garden!
How to Ground in God’s Creation
Grounding in God’s creation involves simple activities that you probably already do! The basis of grounding this way involves two things: 1) engaging your body and/or five senses and 2) connecting with God through the physicality of creation.
• Go for a hike. As your feet pass over rocks on the trail, feel the solid earth beneath your feet and connect this with the stability of God.
• Close your eyes and think about the sun on your face. As you feel the warmth of the sun, call to mind the accessibility of God’s grace.
• Listen to the gentle noises of a stream or river and consider the dozens of ways that water connects with who God is.
• Spend time in your yard or garden. Dig into the earth; breathe in the smells of the rich soil and recall the richness of God’s love.
• Take your shoes off and allow your bare feet to feel the grass. Notice its texture on your skin and think of all the texture in God’s character.
• Watch the clouds passing by in the sky and consider the peace of Christ.
• Soak in the views of a beautiful landscape and remind yourself that God is far more vast and unchanging than the scene in front of you.
• Taste a sweet, ripe strawberry and meditate on Psalm 119:103 — How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey [or strawberries] to my mouth!
The world may change by the minute, but the steadfastness of Jesus’ love never will. May you find yourself deeply grounded in the peace of God today.
Becky Young is a counselor, spiritual director and writer. She has been a member of Faith Church for four years and serves with Faith’s Photography Team, Writing Team and Care Ministry. Becky enjoys writing about soul care and cultivating a deeper life with God.
Becky was born and raised in Colorado and enjoys spending time with her husband, gardening and exploring God’s creation.