A Simple Tool For Staying Grounded in Chaotic Times

This meditation technique is easy to remember and easy to do

Amy Shearn
Forge

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Photo: GI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images

Since I am a chill and fun person, I often like to power my daily walk with an engine of worry. “Is my friend mad at me? Why didn’t I get through my weekend to-do list and why am I already so behind on this week?” Then, to mix things up a bit, I’ll expand my focus: “What is happening in America right now? When is this pandemic going to loosen its grip? Will I ever be able to afford college for my kids?” (They’re in grade school, but hey, I love a jump-start.)

Yesterday, as I was revving up my daily worries, I put on The Happiness Lab podcast, in which psychologist Laurie Santos makes a rigorous study of the subject of happiness. In the episode “Reconnect with the Moment,” Santos asked meditation teacher and bestselling author Tara Brach: What would happen if we were to accept and love ourselves as we are? How can mindfulness be the vehicle that gets us to that self-acceptance?

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Amy Shearn
Forge

Formerly: Editor of Creators Hub, Human Parts // Ongoingly: Novelist, Essayist, Person