Am I grounded or centered? What's the difference?

In the coaching world, we know how important it is to be "centered" and "grounded" before, during, and after sessions. In fact, many of us say that we find coaching itself to be centering and grounding. That deep level of listening to another does us a world of good, too, doesn't it?

But sometimes those words sound a little jargony and we don't remember exactly what our best ways of doing them are, both for coaching and for everyday life with ourselves and those we love. And what's the difference between the two words?

Centering is more like coming home to a space inside ourselves. Aaaaaahhh.... It’s good to know I'm still in here, even when things are not going so well and I'm not feeling myself.

It's about slowing down and feeling into what's going on inside. Even when it's turbulent, just recognizing, naming, and bringing some kindness goes a long way toward returning to calm connection with all the parts of myself.  

Grounding is more about noticing what's going on around, and making wise decisions as we move through the world. It's like having both feet solidly on the ground, taking a look around, and seeing what's real. It can feel like finding a sense of balance and solidity in connection with the outside world.

Centering and grounding remind me a bit of walking the labyrinth, which as you probably know if you've been around Awaken for a while, is my favorite form of prayer.

First, I walk slowly on the loops of the labyrinth's inner journey, leading toward the center (or more commonly, I use one of the finger labyrinths on my desk). 

After a time of quiet centeredness in the middle of the labyrinth, I walk the loops back out into the world - just as slowly and mindfully, but with a sense of myself as I connect with the activities of the day. 

I love to first get centered, and then get grounded.

Diana Raab, PhD offers the following recommendations on becoming centered and grounded, which I've modified a little: 

Centered:

• Breathe in slowly for a count of five, and then out for a count of ten.
• Make a list of all the things and people you love.
• Pause to acknowledge all your senses. What do you see? Feel? Smell? Taste? Hear?
• Try a guided lovingkindness meditation.
• "Walk" a finger labyrinth.
• Formulate positive and healing rituals for your day.
• Engage in self-nourishing activities such as walking, yoga, massage, facials, coffee with a friend, or whatever makes you feel good about yourself.
  

Grounded:

• Establish a connection with nature by touching the earth with your feet or your body each day.
• Drink herbal teas that come directly from the earth.
  
• Keep a supply of stones, soil, or sand ready for the touch.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Maintain a consistent meditation or self-reflection practice.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
  
• Learn to feel into your innate desires, needs, dislikes, and non-negotiables related to others, and express them freely.