pull out the anchor
(~3 minute read)
Recently, I was speaking with my PPL – paid professional listener (aka my therapist). Aaaannnnndddd, I was asking her questions that very much gave circles.
Goin' in loop, after loop, after loop, about why things are the way they are. “Why did this happen? Why is it important to me? Is it all in my head?”
Finally, I said, “I just feel uncentered”.
She asked, “Well, what’s anchoring you right now?” That reaaaalllllly threw me off. I had to stop to check in with myself. To think about that...
“What anchors me? Are they values, beliefs, religion, people, all of the above? Am I surrounding myself with people who support the way I live my life?”
Jack mother freakin’ pot! I remembered a Bible verse my titi sent me earlier that week.
“Bad company corrupts good character.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33
And even if you are not a Bible girlie, we all know the saying goes, “you are the company you keep.”
I am intentional about who I bring into my world these days. But recently, I have entered some new spaces, and mixed and mingled with other groups.
Sometimes, people I don’t know well or don’t connect with during this chapter of my life, can resurface old habits. But baby, we can’t afford to be vibrating low! And the frequency I vibrate at, is up to me. Period. It’s giving love and light only.
Time to swing that anchor over the boat baby! (I was just dying to say that)
Okay, but seriously.
I want to share some practical steps with you. The goal is to check in with your inner compass, and anchor yourself the way you want to:
What is my “centering practice”? A “centering practice” (as defined by moi) is a consistent ritual or routine that tethers me to my being. It leaves me feeling my 2 feet on solid ground. For some people, that’s a weekly yoga class, daily breathing exercises, etc.
What values does this “centering practice” uplift that I identify with? 2 of my centering practices are a daily meditation and a weekly book club. They empower me to breathe through my day and open up to community. This promotes values of vulnerability, compassion, and empathy.
Which people am I leaning on to keep me in alignment with these values? Light is one of my anchors. So, I prioritize relationships where I feel physical, mental, and emotional lightness. I put 1-1 coffee hangs with friends I know are on the same walk of faith as me in my calendar because it matters that much to me.
Full transparency, this is un-com-fy. Nothing feels more awkward and non-graceful than this.
But it's a practice. Whether the muscle is strong or weak, it needs exercise.
And with the holidays around the corner!? Feeling unanchored is bound to happen.
So get those reps in - invite someone to yoga, or your favorite book club. ‘Tis the season to be in high spirits. You deserve it!
