The Practice of Groundedness

Whereas reaction is rushed and rash, wise action is deliberate and considerate. Wise action emerges from internal strength, from groundedness.

think that when you anchor around what truly motivates you, that is getting you on the path of fulfillment.”

Far better is to accept what is happening; to open yourself up to it, feel it deeply, and let it be there. And then you’ve got to commit to living your life in alignment with your innermost values anyway. You feel what is. You accept what is. You see clearly what is.

Hayes learned that the more someone tries to avoid unpleasant circumstances, thoughts, feelings, and urges—exactly what Hayes had been doing before his insight on that fateful night— the stronger and more frequent they become.

when you prioritize groundedness, you do not neglect passion, performance, or productivity. Nor does groundedness eliminate all forms of ambition. Rather, it situates and stabilizes these qualities, so that your striving and ambition become less frenetic and more focused, sustainable, and fulfilling; less about achieving something out in front of y

but what gets our attention becomes important.

Recognize what is happening. Allow life to be just as it is. Investigate your inner experience with kindness and curiosity. Note or practice non-identification, not fusing with what you are experiencing but rather viewing it from a larger perspective.

the Buddha simply says, “I see you, Mara,” and then proceeds to accept what is happening

we are training our brains to be in a constant state of hyper-alertness, always thinking about what could be happening somewhere else and feeling the urge to check in and see.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”