What does it really mean to ‘feel grounded’? I find it interesting that whilst many of us instinctively understand the implications of the word, it can be difficult to accurately define. The definitions that we may use are as diverse as the methods we may use to feel ‘grounded’, even if we may ultimately be describing the same concept.

For me, ‘feeling grounded’ describes the process of connecting ourselves with our emotions, relationships and that which is around us in attempts to become more stable within ourselves. I have found it to be an incredibly important process in my own life, particularly when I am placed in positions of leadership or influence. By ‘feeling grounded’, I also feel relaxed.

In light of my recent blog article, I have been reimagining what it may be like to feel ‘grounded’. I wonder, what would it be like if I treated it as part of the process of removing myself from the centre of all things?

Maybe by ‘feeling grounded’, I acknowledge that the ground is more consistent than myself.

In the modern world, much of our lives are spent within sheltered structures- sheltered from the weather, the wind and the cold. Yet I have discovered that being outside in the weather reminds me of my place in the world and I am, so to speak, ‘grounded’ by that feeling. Yet when I spend my time away from the things I cannot control, I lose my respect and understanding of them.

Why does this exist within society? Perhaps our decision to focus on ourselves has implications on the world around us, even if we do so to become ‘grounded’. This may have historical and cultural drivers as well; much of western thinking revolves around the idea of the self and this may impact the way we consider the world and our place within it. Perhaps, by rejecting the dogma of the past, we have accepted the dogma of ourselves.

The phrase that helps ground me is: “significantly insignificant”. It reminds me that whilst I am important, I am only a “drop in the ocean”. And whilst every drop is unique and incredible, each drop is not the ocean. It symbolises a deep understanding of ourselves and a deep understanding that we are not everything.

How can I learn to ground myself in the world around me? How can I learn to do this for my business and my relationships?

How can I reconnect with the part of myself which accepts I am individual and yet so much more?

The idea of ‘feeling grounded’ may extend further than ourselves. If by feeling grounded we become aware of the relationships, internal stress, emotions and general state or ourselves, what would it be like if we were to carry this idea into our businesses. How can we ensure that our businesses are grounded, not only in themselves but in the fundamental world system they are a part of?

As explored in previous articles, thinking with complexity may allow us to address the intricate problems that emerge as a result of our role within the complex global system, a system which transcends and includes ecology, society, science, equality, economics and so much more. 

How can we ground ourselves in society and our society in the world?