Change is constant... protect your ground

My family and I are in the thick of transitions right now, as we make our move to Columbus, OH, to be closer to family and an opportunity that came up. The big moving day is quickly approaching and while I feel fueled by adrenaline and excitement, I'm also someone who's easily influenced by overwhelm. And it's the moments like these, when I lean on my tools to ground down more than ever.

The things that help us connect or bring us home are unique to each of us, but they are sacred and always worth protecting. 

Change is inevitable. And it shows up in large and small ways every day. Here's a few things that I've been leaning into through these big changes 

• Automate the Easy Decisions: Transitions require a lot of decisions. Someone once recommended this concept to me and it's been a game changer when my plate feels really full. Where can you automate the simple decisions? This is not the time to get creative in the kitchen, but to make meals that are easy. Automate your grocery shopping. Set your workout or meditation schedule. Register ahead of time for classes. And the list goes on. This will create more space for you to focus on all those really big decisions. 
• Brain Dump: I've talked about brain dumps in the past and their ability to clear out the noise. To "brain dump", simply write your thoughts and to-dos down on paper anytime your mind is feeling full and unable to focus. I like to put this into motion, along with focused pranayama like 4-count box breath or kapalabhati breathing. 
• Keep Your Rituals Close: For me, this looks like 15 minutes every morning of journaling and meditation. It's my sacred space and what helps me feel connected and grounded. Maybe your ritual is a morning walk, a blessing before bed, a gratitude list, etc. Whatever it is, let it stay close to you always, but especially in these moments. 
• Move Your Body: Movement brings us back into our body and out of our heads. It reminds us that we are human, it moves our blood and it forces us to be present. Maybe it's a challenging Barre3 class, a slower Yin practice or a walk in nature that you need. Whatever it is... move and move often.
• Healing Music: Sound therapy has been used for centuries, among many different cultures to support well-being. This particular article, from Thrive Global, quotes a study about Marconi Union's song series "Weightless" reducing anxiety by up to 65%. Using these healing sounds to support our emotional and mental bodies is something I'm a big subscriber to. I've made a go-to playlist in Spotify and recommend to prep yours ahead of time so it's ready to go when you need it most. 

​While these tools may not be perfect to your needs, my hope is that they cause you to pause and listen to the things that do bring you connection and peace. And that you find the space to lean into those things and to protect your ground in the moments of big change, transition or overwhelm. 
xo
Bailey

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WHAT I'M REPEATING: 
May we be happy
May we be free
May we ride the waves of life with grace and ease
May we know peace