The last several weeks have been a whirlwind. With the move from Patina Farm to Patina Meadow, preparing to open Patina Home and Garden, and getting our online store ready for you again, I’ve noticed a need for more grounding in my life.
With all the good things in motion, I’ve felt a little untethered. I’ve been sharing that experience with some of you in my Letters From Brooke (if you haven’t signed up already, you can do so here) but I wanted to offer a grounding exercise for you here on the Velvet and Linen Blog as well.
Over the years, I’ve learned what helps me feel grounded during times like this. My doodles help me stay calm while flying, and walking barefoot through the Patina Meadow creeks helps ground me after a flight.
But I thought I could share with you the grounding exercises I like to do on a day-to-day basis when things get busy at home and work.
When I know I need a break, I’ll get up from my computer and walk outside. I’ll head into the pasture and watch the cows.
Cows are masters of grounding. They’re doing it all the time! They’ll lie in the shade under an oak tree for hours, or slowly munch on the grass beneath their feet with all four hooves steadily rooted to the earth.
So I’ll just sit there, chewin’ my cud, watching them from my spot in the shade.
When you’re surrounded by a busy life and long to slow down, you can — even when you’re surrounded by cars, noise, and pavement.
Before Patina Farm, and now Patina Meadow, I didn’t have cows to observe. We lived in Santa Monica and were surrounded by city life. So wherever you live, you can create a deeper connection to nature, but it may require a little more effort.
Try this exercise and let me know if it helps.
Find a 5 minute window in your day.
Pull off your socks and shoes and step outside.
If you can, let your bare feet connect to the earth through grass or dirt.
Take a few deep breaths.
Look around and notice a few small things — maybe it’s a bird on a balcony, a weathered crack in the patio where a tiny plant peeks through, or the warm rays of spring sun on your back.
Use this time to reconnect with the present moment — as it’s truly the only moment you have.
When life gets bumpy and you’re entire routine is upended, all you can do is search for whatever is left. You look for the constants. And for me, that’s Mother Nature every time. She’s always there for me when I need her.
I love sharing tidbits and stories like this in more detail with you in my letters, so sign up to receive a note from me in your inbox each week.
Until we meet again,
xo
Brooke
