Using Anchoring as Another Way to Cope with Stress

Today I wanted to discuss anchoring and using anchoring to cope with stress. So, in this post I will discuss –

  • What is Anchoring?
  • 10 Insights and Quotes on Anchoring, and
  • Ways to Become Anchored.

Let’s get started…

 

What is Anchoring?

The word anchoring can be used in a variety of ways. Subsequently, the meaning depends on the context it is used within. Yes, it can be similar to grounding. However, when I refer to anchoring, I refer it to “anchor” us and bring us back from the “then and there” in to the “here and now”.

We can use anchoring to anchor our awareness in to this moment, anchor our body and our spirit. Subsequently, anchoring can be similar to mindfulness, however anchoring can also be used as a distraction and/or coping strategy to get us out of our head and away from upsetting thoughts, feelings, emotions, images and/or memories.

 

10 Insights and Quotes on Anchoring –

Following are 10 insights and quotes that resonated with me around the concept of anchoring –

  1. “Hope holds you fast like an anchor so you don’t give way.” ~ Philip Pullman
  2. “You’re stronger than us. Once you find your anchor never let go of it. No matter what.” ~ John Marrs
  3. “Purpose can be grand and large and visionary, and it can be very small, subtle and simple. Understanding your purpose anchors your awareness to the contribution you make every day.” ~ Cynthia Yoder
  4. “Purpose is like an anchor for our awareness” ~ Cynthia Yoder
  5. “The anchor holds in spite of the storm.” ~ Ray Boltz
  6. “To lose our connection with the body is to become spiritually homeless. Without an anchor we float aimlessly, battered by the winds and waves of life.” ~ Anodea Judith
  7. “Hope is the anchor of life.” ~ Lailah Gifty Akita
  8. “Have an anchor so that life doesn’t toss you around.” ~ Debby Ryan
  9. “Hope is the anchor of our souls. I know of no one who is not in need of hope – young or old, strong or weak, rich or poor.” ~ James E. Faust
  10. “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

 

Ways to Become Anchored…

Firstly, in order to become anchored we have to realise we are not anchored. Once we do that, we can then begin again and take intentional and conscious steps to bringing ourselves back and anchor ourselves to the present. We can become anchored in many ways from our breath to our body and sounds around us. Following are a variety of ways to become anchored –

  • Awareness – seeing clearly what is going on and can also include the senses and the senses can also include awareness as long as we are consciously taking notice,
  • Seeing – seeing five objects within a room,
  • Smelling – smelling your favourite scent,
  • Hearing – listening to your favourite music,
  • Tasting – truly tasting your food (e.g. your favourite mints),
  • Body – breathing consciously and being aware of the sensations within the body.
  • Touching – touching a stone or snuggling in a soft blanket,
  • Money – this actually has been one of my biggest anchors and connections over the years, and
  • Gratitude – sharing what you are grateful for in your life today, can also anchor you back in to the present.

 

When we practise anchoring, we are training our selves (i.e. senses) and our attention to be present. Anchoring can be done at any time or place. No one needs to know we are are doing it. It is also personal – as what works for one person, may not work for the next and we can also use a variety of ways to anchor. Subsequently, individuals need to work out what anchoring technique works best for them, which if you are anything like me, will probably include some may some trial and error. So be kind to yourself 🙂

As Steve Goodier has indicated – 

“Do you have an anchor? I have found that a solid anchor is indispensable to one who intends to live life fully. To have an anchor is to be centered and well grounded. It is to have a vital spiritual base.”

 

Over to You…

I hope this has given you some insight in to anchoring and how anchoring can be used to cope with stress. Are there any other ways you anchor yourself? If so, feel free to share them below in the comment box along with any questions or comments. Also – please make sure you take care of yourself if you are learning to anchor, as there can be levels of uncomfortability involved.

 

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