What It Means to Be Grounded — Especially in Times of Transition

I’ve been reflecting lately on what it really means to be grounded — especially during seasons of change.

Transitions, even when they’re chosen, tend to stir up uncertainty. Our nervous system starts scanning for danger, our thoughts speed up, and we can easily lose our footing. It’s natural. But it’s also precisely the moment when tools for grounding become most powerful.

Here’s what the science of well-being tells us:

Being grounded isn’t about feeling calm all the time.

It’s about having access points — ways back to ourselves when life starts to speed up.

And those access points are often surprisingly small:

·      Noticing three things you’re grateful for

·      Doing one act of kindness

·      Taking 60 seconds to breathe before responding

·      Naming what you’re feeling, rather than judging it

·      Reaching out to someone who makes you feel supported

These aren’t just “nice ideas.” They’ve been shown to regulate our nervous system, strengthen our sense of agency, and help the brain shift from threat mode to connection mode. Over time, they become anchors — part of the architecture of resilience.

One of my favorite research-backed reminders:

We don’t need certainty to move forward. We need steadiness and equanimity.

The more we practice grounding, the more choice we have — in our relationships, in our work, and in how we move through change. And sometimes, grounding is as simple as asking:

“What’s one small thing I can do today that brings me back to myself?”

If you’re in a transition of any kind, I hope this encourages you to go gently — and to remember that being grounded is not a destination. It’s a practice. And it’s available, even in challenging seasons.