Strong Roots: Grounding Practices for Uncertain Times
If there’s anything we learned through the trials and tribulations of 2020, it’s that change is inevitable and times are uncertain…to say the least! While change has always been a given, the last year has showed us that shifts can often happen suddenly and without warning. Such abrupt modifications to what we have known and what we are used to can often cause us to feel lost, helpless {or hopeless}, and ungrounded. On the flip side, we can also make the choice to view these moments in time from a different perspective, and to see them as opportunities + catalysts for growth and transformation. Inherently, growth and transformation can be both messy and uncomfortable. It can also be full of magic. Take, for example, the metamorphosis of a butterfly- did you know that the caterpillar literally dissolves and turns to goo inside its cocoon before undergoing its final processes to emerge as a beautiful winged creature? This is one of the reasons why butterflies have always been a symbol of hope and change. So if you’ve found yourself feeling a bit cramped, unhinged, or like you’re totally dissolving and changing from who you once were- you’re not alone. In fact, I’d wager to say that you’re in just the right place for all the magic that is yet to come!
While waiting patiently for that magic to come to light, I have found that there are a number of practices that can help me to feel more grounded in the present moment, and able to ride the waves of change as they flow through- again and again. As an herbalist and plant-lover, you probably won’t be surprised to hear that many of my own coping mechanisms involve working with plants and herbs!
Below are 3 practices + rituals that allow me to feel more supported and grounded during times of change and uncertainty. I hope they prove helpful for you as well!
Meditation + Breathing
As cliche as it may sound, finding the time and space to be still and silent can go a long way in providing more quietude and spaciousness in daily life. I find that when I can carve out at least 10 minutes of my day to sit alone in a sacred space, I am able to be more responsive rather than reactive. Meditation can give us an opportunity to notice our thoughts and feelings as they arise- without judgement, praise, or blame. When we allow ourselves to feel all the feelings we often try to cram away or deny, we can experience our soul-self in a fuller capacity. Incorporating deep breathing into your meditation, or even better- throughout your day, can help retrain your nervous system to feel a bit less frazzled, and more calm and supportive. Set your own sacred space by lighting a candle, playing meditative music or healing frequencies, burning sacred incense, or diffusing your favorite grounding organic essential oil- whatever you find works best for you! If it helps to set a timer, go for it! The goal is less about how long you sit, and more about the consistency and reverence in which you are able to approach this sacred time you’ve set for yourself.
Tea Rituals
Ever since I discovered the art of making of herbal teas, I’ve been enamored with the entire process- from choosing the herbs + plants, to setting the tea kettle on the stove to boil, and allowing the magic of the blend to unfurl as it steeps. Not to mention the comfort of wrapping your hands around the warm mug, inhaling the healing aromas of the plants within, and actually sipping on your healing potion! Many people practice the ritual of making coffee each morning- myself included, and adding a tea ritual into your day or week can be just as simple! Make it special by using a favorite mug, adding homegrown herbs, or incorporating your tea ritual into your meditation + breathing practice. Some of my favorite teas for calming the mind/body/spirit include Dancing Sage’s own Love Divine {Heart-Centered Tea}, Starry Night {Bedtime Tea}, and Athena’s Torch {Mental Claritea}. It can also feel quite empowering to make your own special tea blends! Create your own recipe, or try the one below for a sweet and simple blend of some of my favorite calming and supportive herbs.
Tulsi + Rose Calming Tea Blend
1 1/2 tsp dried tulsi leaves
1/2 tsp organic rose petals (non-organic roses tend to be heavily sprayed with pesticides)
1/8 - 1/4 tsp cinnamon
a small pinch of licorice (optional)
Mix herbs together and place in your french press, pyrex glass measuring cup, or your tea ball/infuser of choice. Pour 8 oz. hot (not quite boiling) water over the blend and let steep for at least 5 minutes. The longer you let your tea steep, the more therapeutic it becomes! Be aware though- some herbs become bitter the longer they steep, so experiment with your herb ratios and steeping times, and see how you like it best. Strain or press your herbs, add a little honey or maple syrup if you so desire, and enjoy your custom healing brew!
Working with Grounding + Calming Herbs
When it comes to working with supportive herbs, often times roots are a great place to start- after all, they are the epitome of grounding, considering they literally grow in the earth, receive and deliver nutrients, and support life above the soil line. Working with the roots of a plant can help us to feel more “rooted” in our own bodies, and able to receive the nourishment our bodies and souls so crave. Some of the roots I enjoy working with for grounding include ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), kava (Piper methysticum), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and ginger (Zingiber officinale). It would be remiss of me not to mention the calming properties of the mint family, Lamiaceae, as well. Mint family plants are often aromatic, and we have come to learn that our senses of smell can have a profound effect on our psyches. Many plants in this family are quite tasty as well- just another added bonus! Some of my favorite calming mint family plants include lavender (Lavandula spp.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), tulsi/holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). And of course, there’s always rose- a plant so special it has its own family named after it (Rosaceae)! I almost always turn to rose when my heart needs some lifting and emotional healing, which lately has been more often than not! Many of the plants mentioned here can be enjoyed as teas, tinctures, or infused honeys, and you can also find high-quality rosewater or rose hydrosol that can be added to sparkling water and baked goods, or spritzed on/around you with a spray bottle. For a blend of grounding roots + calming herbs, check out one of my new favorites: Dancing Sage Kava Calm elixir, a tension-taming blend of fresh Hawaiian noble kava roots, lemon balm, hawthorn berries, and lavender.
While we may not be able to control what’s going on in the outer world on a day-to-day basis, the plants + practices we consciously choose to incorporate in our lives can help provide us with a strong foundation. From there, we are able to then face adversity and change with more grace, ease, and joy. Cheers to navigating these waters and staying in the flow of life!