Balancing Life's Challenges
Tether ball anyone?
One of my favorite childhood games was tether ball. 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 the crazy metaphor of tether ball.
If you're not acquainted with it, a tether ball is a ball about the size of a volleyball, tied to a string about 5 feet long, tied to an 8-foot tall pole, anchored either in the ground or to a weight. To play, two people take turns batting the ball back and forth. One of the things I appreciated about this game is that no matter how hard one person hits the ball, the anchor and the tether keep the ball from going haywire all over the yard or smacking you in the face, mostly.
In the words of the great Ferris Beuller, “life moves pretty fast”. Sometimes it is a casual game, others, the ball may come screaming at you. How we handle these challenges has a lot to do with our footing, just like in the game. If we can get a firm foundation under us and “tether” ourselves to a rooted sense of calm, we are a lot less likely to be thrown off balance. So how do we get a rooted sense of calm? Through a consistent self care and spiritual practice. Here are a few ways you can anchor yourself in this tranquil stability when life is moving like a tornado.
1. Meditation:
Just as the tether ball 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 tether ball game, the rhythmic back-and-forth creates a harmonious rhythm. Similarly, immersing yourself in soothing sounds or music can establish a reassuring calm 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 draw out emotions, making it a powerful tool for grounding yourself in the present moment.
3. Bilateral Stimulation (BLS):
Just like the tether ball's movements are constrained 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 tether ball 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 tether ball 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 tether ball 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.
