Grounding to learn flying
My son is studying to be a pilot. He practices maneuvers over and over to train and assimilate his eye/hand coordination, experience how the plane handles in different weather conditions, and how to respond to emergency situations.
This week he came home from a lesson and announced that he’d experienced his first equipment malfunction while flying by himself.
As I listened to him describe losing radio contact with the tower during his landing approach, I felt my panic rise, my stomach dropped and I nearly shattered the glass I was holding.
I internally catastrophized the situation, coming up with all of the reasons why he shouldn’t be a pilot.
And then, I realized what I was doing.
I was moments away from imposing my anxiety onto his experience!
Returning to his story, I realized he handled the situation appropriately, landing safely, and that he had a powerful experience of anchoring into what to do when the sh*t hits the fan.
I returned to his story through presence. By using a tried and true skill I’ve applied for the last 15 years — Grounding.
What is Grounding?
To be grounded is to be present, plugged in fully to this moment. It means you have your feet planted firmly on the Earth. Being grounded is a state of being. You’re here. Right now. Not pulled into other times, places, emotions.
How does Grounding Help?
Grounding brings you within yourself, your body, your emotions and needs, your thoughts and beliefs. Grounding helps you make appropriate choices that are aligned with what is right for you in the moment.
I’m helping a lot of my clients find their grounding — inner calm, balance and alignment — to help them navigate the chaos and uncertainty in their lives, community and country.
A new client recently read a blog I wrote for EHI called How Can I Be OK When I’m Not OK?. She wondered how to cultivate presence and connection with herself as a means of defusing her stress and anxiety. We talked about Grounding.
How Can You Learn Grounding?
I’ve included an illustration of Grounding below so that you can get a sense of what you’ll be imagining. I could describe the process for you, but in reality, the best way to experience Grounding is to do it. Happily, I’ve also included an MP3 of the skill for you to apply it for yourself.
© Energy Healing Institute 2025, used with permission
How often should I apply the Grounding practice?
The short answer is…lots and lots and lots!! I often tell my clients that teaching a puppy not to pee in their house isn’t a once a day effort. It’s reinforced over and over again until the puppy learns where the right place is to get that job done!
Your chakras are like puppies. They need to be trained through repetition. So practice it regularly — 10 to 15 times a day isn’t too much!
OK, let’s get to it. Ready?
Stand or sit, put your feet flat on the floor, and hit the play button.
Get Grounding, people!
As my son so powerfully illustrated by landing the plane without access to the control tower, challenges arise and staying present and anchored in helps navigate those moments and experiences.
Not only was he grounding into his awareness, he safely brought the plane back onto the ground!
