Balancing Life's Challenges: Anchoring in Calm

One of my favorite childhood games was tetherball. Maybe because chasing the ball all over the yard was frustrating and draining. I remember playing with cousins and brothers in the yard. It was simple, wholesome fun that taught me some valuable life lessons, oddly enough. So let's chat about how this backyard pastime can offer insights into anchoring yourself in calm amidst life's whirlwinds.

If you're not acquainted with tetherball, here's the lowdown: It involves an 8-foot tall pole, firmly anchored either in the ground or to a weight. On top of this pole is a string that dangles about 2 feet above the ground, and at the end of that string hangs a ball. The game unfolds as two people take turns batting the ball back and forth with their hands. Interestingly, no matter how vigorously one person hits the ball, the anchor steadfastly keeps the ball from going haywire all over the yard. This is the metaphor I offer for connecting with an anchor of calm. Let’s explore.

Much like the tetherball game, life presents us with challenges and unexpected "hits." How we handle these hits and maintain our balance is akin to the art of tethering ourselves to a rooted sense of calm. This calm isn't a mystical, unattainable state; rather, it's a practice nurtured through regular self-care activities. Here are a few ways you can anchor yourself in this tranquil stability amidst life's swirling winds.

1. Meditation:

Just as the tetherball remains controlled within its defined space, meditation provides a similar enclosure for your thoughts and emotions. Regular meditation sessions create a mental sanctuary where you can find solace and clarity. By focusing your attention inward, you cultivate a serene center that remains resilient even when the world around you is chaotic.

2. Sound and Music:

In the tetherball game, the rhythmic back-and-forth creates a harmonious cadence. Similarly, immersing yourself in soothing sounds or music can establish a reassuring rhythm in your life. It can be as simple as listening to the calming melodies of nature or your favorite tunes. Music has a unique ability to evoke emotions, making it a powerful tool for grounding yourself in the present moment.

3. Bilateral Stimulation (BLS):

Just like the tetherball's movements are calculated and balanced, BLS techniques like bilateral tapping or eye movements help sync your brain's hemispheres. They process emotions and reduce distress, much like maintaining your equilibrium in the game. BLS promotes a sense of calm and balance in your life.

4. Body Awareness:

Awareness is the key to balance. Much like the tetherball players keenly track the ball's movement, you can enhance your stability by exploring body awareness. Practices like yoga and tai chi connect you to your body's sensations and movements. This heightened awareness not only promotes physical well-being but also helps anchor your mind in the present.

5. Trauma Healing:

Navigating trauma healing shares similarities with finding your balance on the tetherball court. Trauma activation can feel like a sudden push that knocks you off balance. When this happens, you can't fully participate in the game, and you need time to regain your footing. By understanding your trauma triggers and actively working on healing them, you equip yourself to stay engaged and maintain your sense of balance in life's challenges.

6. Identify Values and Strengths through Art Journaling:

Just as the tetherball remains tethered to its anchor, you can stay rooted by exploring your values and strengths through art journaling. This creative process allows you to express your inner world, uncover your core beliefs, and acknowledge your unique abilities. It fosters self-awareness and strengthens your emotional anchor.

Conclusion:

In the grand circus act of life, where you juggle responsibilities, relationships, and unforeseen challenges, anchoring in calm becomes your stabilizing pole. The tetherball analogy reminds us that, no matter how hard life's hits may be, we can establish our anchor in a grounded sense of serenity and identity. Through regular practices like meditation, sound immersion, BLS, body awareness, education, and art journaling, we can cultivate this essential stability. Just as the tetherball remains within bounds, you too can navigate life's twists and turns anchored in your own inner peace.