Stop chasing perfection

Trying to live up to other people’s expectations or pretend that their life is better than yours is one of the fastest ways to feel inadequate. Believing in the illusion of perfection can bring a lifetime of doubt and anxiety as you chase after the greener grass on the other side.

But the reality is that the grass is pretty good where you are right now. And it’s your grass. So why not be satisfied now?

People often ask me; how can I be satisfied with things the way they are when I want to do and have so much more?

My answer is simple. 

Until you can feel satisfied with where you are right now, feeling appreciative of all the things that contributed to your life at this moment, you will be at the mercy of your Ego’s need for continual validation.  Ego will say:  you should have done better, you should be more like him or her, you aren’t good enough.  Those are the very feelings that will sabotage your desires.  It’s about being satisfied now.

So, how can you get to a better feeling state so that you can open the door to peace and joy?  In my opinion, it starts with grounding your spirit.

Being grounded means that you feel more settled, like you’re on solid footing. You feel confident about who you are and have more clarity and insight into the things and people around you.  You don’t feel as scattered or vulnerable.  You feel balanced and peaceful.

When you’re grounded its easier to relax and let go. You’re better able to see the good around you rather than the deficiencies and imperfections.  You accept things as they are right now.  You feel satisfied.

I use several methods to get grounded when I feel that I’m being a bit flitty or when my mind is at warp speed. My first go-to is aromatherapy. It’s fast and always near-by for me.  In my July newsletter issue of Joy Matters, I talked about the blend I use called Grounding. It’s a pretty potent mix of tree oils as well as some historically sacred ones.  It always works for me.

Another great way to get grounded is to go outside and stand on the earth with bare feet – feels the best especially on a hot summer day.  Sitting under a tree or better still, hugging a tree helps me to feel more grounded.  Walking in the forest or engaging in forest bathing is another great method.  As Lord Byron said it best, “There is pleasure in the pathless woods.”

If you aren’t able to do any of those things, sit still and while breathing slowly, imagine nature all around you, with your feet solidly supported by mother earth.

Now doesn’t that feel better?

Here’s a little mantra to help you get grounded this week.

Love from your Joy Mama,

P.S.   What do you do to get grounded? Drop a comment below.  Would be great to hear your thoughts.

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Image courtesy of Pixabay.