Feeling stressed? Try the 5 4 3 2 1 technique

The 5 4 3 2 1 grounding technique is very similar to one of the ways I was originally taught to meditate.

It’s a technique that is designed to ground you in the present moment.

No thinking about yesterday’s drama.
No projecting into tomorrow’s slippery slopes.

Just now.
Just the splendor of where you are and what you experience.
Right now.

Give it a try.
(Don’t just read this, try it. It will only take about 90 seconds.)

Take a deep breath with your diaphragm. Take your time.

LOOK at five things around you. A chair, a computer, a table, a blade of grass… simply notice them as you choose them.

FEEL four things. You may feel your hair on your cheek, the chair under your tookus, a breeze, the floor under your feet… name them as you choose them.

LISTEN for three things. You will find layers of sound as you pay attention.

SMELL two things. The lingering smells of breakfast, your shampoo… whatever is in the air or around you.

TASTE… name one thing you can taste. If you can’t taste anything, name your favorite taste.

Take a deep breath.

You are experiencing the pleasure of an ordinary moment.

Relish the human experience.