EP 80: Grounding Techniques for Challenging Times
As many of you know, my heart has been heavy lately, especially with the wildfires tearing through Los Angeles, a place I’ve called home for the past 20 years. It’s where I built my life, my business, and discovered breathwork—this city holds so many memories for me. Though I moved to a small mountain town last year, Los Angeles remains a part of me, and witnessing its struggles during this time has been difficult, to say the least.
But I’m here today to offer something that can help ground us when we feel overwhelmed, anxious, or paralyzed by the weight of the world around us. In moments like this, our nervous systems can become dysregulated, and that’s where we can find some relief—by connecting to our breath and calming our bodies and minds.
The Power of Breath in Chaos
When the world feels chaotic and fear creeps in, it’s natural for our nervous systems to kick into high alert. Some of us may enter fight mode, others freeze, or even go into what I call "fun mode." There's no right or wrong response. This is simply our body’s protective instinct trying to signal that something is off.
However, when we stay in that heightened state for too long—constantly stressed, overwhelmed, or in fear—we start to feel fatigued, reactive, and out of control. I know from personal experience how easy it is to get stuck in this cycle, feeling like there's no way out. But I’ve also learned that awareness is key. Once we acknowledge how we’re feeling, we can shift our energy and choose to come back to a grounded state. This shift doesn't mean we’re ignoring the situation or becoming passive, it simply gives us the clarity to make decisions from a calm place rather than reacting out of fear.
This is why I’m offering a free tool today: a calming meditation to help regulate your nervous system, no matter where you are or what you're going through. Whether you're facing personal challenges or just want to recenter yourself amidst the stress of daily life, this meditation can help.
You can download it via the link in the show notes, and I encourage you to come back to it whenever you need to feel calm and grounded. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about empowering yourself to make intentional decisions with a clear mind.
How Calm Breathing Impacts Your Life
You might be thinking, "Shouldn’t I stay on high alert, especially with everything going on?" And I get it. In times of crisis, it can feel like staying alert is the only way to stay safe. But here’s the thing: taking a moment to calm yourself doesn’t mean you're ignoring the situation or being careless. It’s actually the opposite. By calming your body and mind, you’re better equipped to assess your situation, make decisions, and take thoughtful actions.
Coming back to your breath is not just about finding peace in moments of crisis; it’s a tool you can use every day. At work, with your relationships, and in your personal life, taking a moment to center yourself can help you make better decisions and avoid reacting from a place of stress or fear.
Upcoming Offerings to Support You
If you’re struggling with the chaos around you—whether due to the wildfires, personal challenges, or just the overwhelming pace of life—I want to remind you that you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here for you, and I’m offering several ways to support you over the next month:
Community Gatherings: I’m bringing back my free drop-in breathwork classes. These are a safe space for you to process whatever you're going through, no matter where you are in your life. If you’re feeling displaced, lost, or uncertain, come join us. You can sign up for free here.
Manifestation Portal Mini-Retreat (January 25th): If you’re feeling like it’s time to refocus on your goals and make some big changes in your life, I’ve got a special 3-hour virtual manifestation retreat coming up. We’ll not only set powerful intentions for the year ahead, but we’ll also move some energy and release old beliefs that no longer serve us. This will be a day of healing, clarity, and empowerment. Reserve your spot here.
Dream Bigger Mastermind: For those who are ready to take things to the next level, I’m opening up my Dream Bigger Mastermind for the next cohort. This intimate group is for high-achievers who are ready to break through cycles, elevate their business, and achieve things they never thought possible. If you’re ready to make more money, grow your soulful business, or hit that personal milestone, this program will guide you through the process of awareness, actualization, and accomplishment. Learn more and join the waitlist here.
Embracing Your Transformation
I want to share a beautiful success story from one of my Dream Bigger Mastermind clients. A year ago, she was struggling physically, barely making ends meet as a bodyworker. Today, after committing to her goals and pushing through fear, she’s not only booked out but is now setting the goal to make six figures in the next year. This transformation didn’t happen overnight, but it happened because she was willing to commit to herself, trust the process, and do the work.
This is the kind of change I believe is possible for you too. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. You are stronger than you think, and you’re not alone in this journey.
A Final Word of Encouragement
For those of you navigating loss, uncertainty, or simply feeling overwhelmed by everything happening in the world right now, I want to remind you that you are stronger than you think. You are not alone. I’m here for you, whether through community gatherings, DMs, or emails. Take the time you need for yourself, breathe deeply, and know that you are loved.
Until next time, take care of yourself, and remember that you have the power to face whatever comes your way with clarity, strength, and grace.
WORK WITH ANA:
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