By Charli Lundholm

EarthGallery.com

Have you been feeling like it is hard to stay grounded and heart based right now? With the barrage of news that is both anger and fear inducing, it’s no wonder that people are out of balance. Astrological influences, eclipses, destructive weather and politicians are all adding to the stress. Interestingly, many light workers, healers and generally grounded, spiritual, heart based people are out of whack as well. So what’s the solution? Instead of adding big time consuming things to your to-do list, here are three simple things that you can do quickly and easily to help get yourself back to balance.

Breathe! I know this sounds simple but have you ever stopped and really focused on your breathing pattern? You may find that you breathe quite shallowly most of the time. Taking a couple of minutes here and there to focus on your breath can really decrease your stress level. Take some nice deep breaths in, bringing in harmony, light and balance. Let it out, releasing all stress, negativity and worry. Breathe in deeply. Exhale completely. Breathe in love. Let out stress. Good air in, bad air out. You can add affirmations to your breaths (With this breath I am healing every cell in my body. With this exhalation, I am releasing all anger at my boss. With every breath I am sending blessings to all beings.) This simple practice can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Throughout the day, check in with where you are coming from. Are you worrying? Are you angry? Jealous, envious, livid, frustrated? If so, you need to get back into your heart. Think of the most loving time in your life. Stay in that moment. You’ll actually feel a difference in your body. Breathe. Stay in that loving moment. You can visualize green or pink energy around your heart. Carry a rose quartz or green aventurine stone. Choose to be heart based. Check in with yourself an hour later. Where are you coming from? The more we are conscious of where our energy is coming from, the easier it is to choose to be heart based, and the easier it is to stay there. The more time we spend in our hearts, the harder it is to get pulled back into our heads.

Ground yourself. If possible, go outside and get your feet on the earth. Breathe. See roots going from the base of your spine down deep in to the earth. Feel the earths wonderful grounding energy running up through those roots, anchoring you to the ground. Breathe. Relax. Let all the stress and worry leave your body. Then see beautiful energy from the center of the universe coming in through the crown of your head, filling your body with light. Allow this energy to run down the roots into the earth. Then bring the earth energy up through the roots and out through the crown of your head to the center of the universe. Then bring it back down through your head, filling your body. Do this sequence a few times. In from the universe, down through the roots to the earth. Up from the earth through the roots, out the top of your head to the universe. When you are ready, break the connection to the roots and to the universe, allowing the two energies to remain in you, energizing you and grounding you. Notice how your body feels. You might feel lighter inside while  your feet feel more solidly on the ground. It’s a great way to help you regain balance throughout your day.

I hope these simple things help. Focus on all of your blessings, the beauty around you, the love that is in this world…for it does exist in infinite amounts. Have gratitude for all that you have, small and large. Most importantly, have unconditional love for yourself!