How I Ground Myself & Why It’s Vital to My Spirituality

Grounding as a Christian Mystic: Preparing for a Sacred Ritual in a Busy Life

As a Christian mystic and a busy working mom of three, life is often filled with a constant flow of responsibilities, emotions, and challenges. Between juggling work, parenting, and managing a chronic illness, finding time for sacred rituals feels both vital and challenging. When I approach the divine to ask for guidance, support, or blessings, it’s essential that I ground myself fully. Grounding is what helps me pause, gather my scattered energy, and focus with intention. It allows me to step into a sacred space, even if only for a few moments, where my spirit can connect deeply with God.

For those of you who lead equally full lives, I want to share the steps I take to ground myself before performing a ritual. Grounding is much more than lighting a candle or saying a quick prayer—it’s an intentional practice of connecting body, mind, and spirit. Here are the grounding steps I take to help make my prayers and rituals meaningful, along with why each step matters in this journey of faith.

1. Preparing the Physical Space in the Midst of Chaos

I find a corner of my home or office and create a sacred space, even if it’s just for a few moments.

Being a working mom, my home is rarely quiet or tidy. However, I’ve learned that grounding myself begins with making even a small, dedicated space for connection. I might set out a favorite candle, a Bible, or something meaningful like my grandmother’s cross. This space is where I leave behind the noise and stress of daily life and welcome God’s peace.

Why it’s important: Having a designated area helps create a mental shift. When I set up this space, I’m signaling to my mind and body that it’s time to slow down and connect. It also serves as a physical reminder of the divine presence I’m inviting into my life, giving me a small oasis in the midst of chaos.

2. Grounding with Breath and Intention

Next, I focus on my breath, something I often take for granted in the rush of daily life.

I start with slow, deep breaths, letting each inhale and exhale wash over me, releasing any tension from my body. Breathing is my way of hitting the “pause” button on the day—giving myself permission to simply be present. I might say a grounding phrase with each breath, like “Be still and know that I am God,” allowing each word to settle deeper into my spirit.

Why it’s important: In the middle of a busy day, breathwork slows down my racing thoughts. As someone who manages a chronic illness, this moment of breathing also helps me tune into my body, acknowledging any discomfort and releasing stress. Grounding with breath helps me to arrive fully in the present, ready to connect with the divine.

3. Setting Boundaries: A Sacred Pause from Responsibilities

For these few minutes, I set a boundary around my time with God.

I let my family know I need a few minutes of solitude, turning off my phone and stepping away from distractions. This boundary helps me detach from the pressures of “being on call” 24/7, which is a big challenge as a working mom and caretaker. I remind myself that this time is as essential to my well-being as anything else on my to-do list.

Why it’s important: Without boundaries, my mind can easily wander to the many roles and responsibilities waiting for me. This practice of setting boundaries allows me to protect this sacred time, giving myself permission to focus on my spiritual needs without guilt or interruption. It reinforces that I deserve this connection with God.

4. Prayer for Centering and Focus

In prayer, I ask for God’s help in grounding me, centering me, and guiding my heart.

Often, I’ll say a prayer asking for God’s presence and peace to fill my mind. I pray for clarity, asking God to help me release any ego-driven desires or distractions. This prayer is a powerful step in grounding, reminding me that approaching the divine requires humility and intention.

Why it’s important: Life can easily blur my intentions with countless distractions. This prayer is a way to acknowledge my need for divine assistance, allowing me to shed the pressures of daily life and approach God with an open heart. It also helps me remember that my ritual isn’t about “getting something” from God; it’s about aligning myself with God’s purpose for me.

5. Physical Grounding to Connect with Earth and Spirit

I spend a moment connecting physically with the earth, whether it’s standing barefoot outside or visualizing roots from my feet.

When I can, I’ll step outside and feel the ground beneath my feet, or even just touch the earth with my hands. If I’m indoors, I visualize roots extending from my feet into the ground, anchoring me. This helps me feel secure and reminds me that God’s creation is a source of strength and stability.

Why it’s important: As a mother and someone living with chronic illness, I often feel physically and emotionally “off balance.” This physical grounding offers a way to reconnect with the stability of the earth, which reminds me that I am part of something greater. It’s a small but powerful step that brings peace to my body and spirit, helping me feel more stable as I approach the divine.

6. Intention Setting: Writing My Heart’s Purpose

Before beginning my ritual, I write down what I’m seeking or praying for.

Whether it’s guidance, healing, or strength, I write with clarity and honesty, asking myself why I’m coming to God with this particular request. This reflection helps me strip away any superficial desires and connect with the true purpose of my ritual. By expressing my intention on paper, I’m also creating a reminder that I can come back to later, letting my hopes and intentions be held in God’s hands.

Why it’s important: Writing down my intention clarifies my purpose. It lets me distill my request and approach God with sincerity and depth. This practice keeps my mind focused and helps me avoid asking from a place of fear or insecurity, grounding me in faith and trust instead.

7. Surrender: Letting Go of Control

Finally, I release my desires, trusting God with whatever the outcome may be.

As I prepare to begin the ritual, I consciously let go of my attachment to specific results. I ask God to guide me according to divine wisdom, and I surrender the outcome. This act of surrender is a powerful release, allowing me to enter the ritual without clinging to expectations. It’s a reminder that God’s plan is greater than anything I could imagine.

Why it’s important: As a mother and a mystic, I know how difficult it can be to let go of control. But surrender is key to grounding because it frees my mind and heart from the weight of “what ifs” and “shoulds.” By releasing my desires to God, I open myself up to receive whatever is truly best for me, even if it’s not what I initially envisioned.

Conclusion: Grounding as a Path to Divine Connection

Grounding before a ritual is a practice of love, respect, and reverence—for God, for myself, and for my faith journey. Each step I take, from creating sacred space to surrendering my requests, is an act of devotion that aligns my heart with the divine. It’s a process that allows me to set aside my everyday worries and embrace the presence of God fully.

As a Christian mystic, a mom, and someone living with chronic illness, grounding has become my way of finding peace amidst life’s chaos. It’s my reminder that even in the busiest, messiest seasons of life, I can create moments of sacred connection. Grounding allows me to approach God not with the noise of my world, but with the quiet assurance that I am seen, heard, and loved. And in that quiet, I find the courage to ask, to listen, and to receive.