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grounding
Grounding
A practice of bringing awareness to the present moment through physical sensations, helping to anchor the nervous system and provide stability when feeling overwhelmed or disconnected. Grounding helps establish a sense of safety and presence in the body.
Source: Described in 'Waking the Tiger' by Peter A. Levine. Grounding is a foundational practice in Somatic Experiencing that helps establish safety and presence in the body.
Varies
intermediate
traumaptsdstressanxiety
How to practice
- 1Notice where your body makes contact with a supporting surface (chair, floor, etc.)
- 2Feel the sensations in your arms and legs where they contact the surface
- 3Notice other physical sensations: the feel of clothes, shoes, hair
- 4Add awareness of any sensations like tightness, temperature, tingling, or movement
- 5Return to these grounding sensations whenever you feel overwhelmed
- 6Stay with the physical sensations to bring awareness fully into the body
- 7Allow grounding to help stabilize your nervous system
Based on literature
Waking the Tiger
Peter A. Levine • 1997
Healing trauma - the innate capacity to transform overwhelming experiences.