In today’s fast-paced world, finding stability and inner peace can often feel challenging. Amidst constant changes and uncertainties, grounding ourselves can be a powerful tool for mental clarity. A Buddhist monk once shared that when our minds are unsettled, focusing on the soles of our feet can help us regain a sense of calm and presence. The Japanese idiom “feet on the ground” symbolizes a stable and steady state of mind. By staying connected to this grounded feeling, you can strengthen your mental resilience and find the answers you seek.
Embrace Change: Take a Moment to Reflect Each Day
Walking on the soles of your feet is a form of Hoko-zen (歩行禅) —a walking Zen. It teaches you to walk with a keen awareness of your feet. It also helps combat unnecessary or negative thinking. Decide how far and how long you want to walk; avoid talking to other people while walking; and walk in rhythm at a slightly faster pace, keeping your posture and breathing constantly. On your journey to your destination, try to remember things you regret in your life and say “I’m sorry” in your mind as you are walking. On the walk back, think of things you are thankful for in your life, and chant Thank you. After, let’s say, a 10-minute roundtrip walk, meditate for about another 10 minutes afterwards to become more mindful and feel more at peace. Practice by using a route that you can easily incorporate your daily routine. On the way to work, even in the office, be aware of the sensation of the soles of your feet as you walk… right foot, left foot, right foot… to calm your mind.
However, there are times when anger and anxiety are at the highest level, and the mind cannot be subdued so easily. At such times, look down at your chest and try to calmly understand the situation. The important thing is not to deny that you are upset or depressed.
For this reason, it is a good idea to objectively confirm with words in your mind that you are angry or anxious. You can try to understand your mind’s reaction and try not react to it further. This may seem difficult at first, but you will gradually learn to do it.
We wish for you to have as many days as possible where you can say, “I like myself better today than I did yesterday” or “It feels good to be me”. In the same way that we take care of our partners, friends, and families, let’s take care of ourselves as well.
Me Time.com is written and produced for informational and inspirational purposes only. While we do our best to provide wellness/nutritional information as a general guideline to our readers, we are not certified practitioners/nutritionists, and the values provided should be considered estimates.