Grounding with an Animal as an Anchor

Sometimes we have a difficult time finding our Optimal Meditation Zone (OMZ) or we may feel pushed out of our Window of Tolerance, making it difficult to be calm, centered, and compassionate toward ourselves or others. When this happens, it may be helpful to do some grounding exercises, anchoring your thoughts, feelings, and physical embodiment with an animal, real or imagined. Using an animal for grounding can help you be in the present moment. When you are more grounded and relaxed, you are more available for meditation. This can be a great practice to use before longer mindfulness meditation. It can also be used independently to help you be in the here and now.