Finding Your Life Raft: Grounding Through Overwhelming Moments

Last weekend, I attended Paganicon for the first time, a Pagan convention hosted in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. It was a beautiful, expansive experience, and I was so grateful to be there as a reader, offering Akashic Records readings for the first time in this setting. It was also a chance for me to step into the community as a participant, where I got to meet new people, explore different spiritual practices, and immerse myself in an environment of shared curiosity and connection.

One of the most meaningful experiences of the weekend was attending my first ritual at Paganicon, specifically created for the LGBTQ+ community. It was a space for us to affirm ourselves and one another, to embrace our identities more fully, and to take up space unapologetically. It was beautiful, powerful, and deeply moving. And honestly, it was also emotional in ways that surprised me.

When Old Wounds Resurface

Sometimes, even in the safest spaces, old wounds resurface in ways we don’t expect.

I thought I would simply feel held and affirmed in the ritual, which I did. But I also felt my religious trauma rise to the surface, catching me completely off guard. In my head, I knew I was safe. But certain elements of the ritual made my body believe otherwise. I could feel my younger self stepping forward - the one who had learned to shrink. I felt the defiance: I’m not going to participate in that part. I felt the shame: I wonder what people are thinking about me and how I'm showing up?

But that’s what healing looks like. Even when we think we’ve moved past something, certain moments can activate old pain. And we can’t always predict or control when that happens. What we can do is have tools to support ourselves through it.

So that’s what I did. I stepped away to find a quiet space, sat with my younger self, and listened. I named what I was feeling. I let myself cry and release. And after a while, my nervous system returned to neutral, and my adult self could take the reins again. My younger self felt safe once more.

A Message From the Angels: Finding Your Life Raft

As I’ve been processing the weekend, I’ve also been reflecting on the past couple weeks. The energy has felt turbulent - raw and intense. And I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.

So today, I turned to the angels for guidance. Their message was clear: When the waves of life feel like too much, grounding is what helps us stay afloat and find our way forward.

The image they showed me was of someone lost at sea and treading water, unable to see the horizon, scared and unsure of which way to go. The message wasn’t about immediately finding land, but rather: Find your life raft. Find something to help you stay afloat until the waters calm.

Ways to Ground Yourself

Grounding can help us stay present and feel like we are holding onto something solid when life feels like it's pulling us under.

After a long weekend full of energy, people, and emotions, I found my own life raft under my weighted blanket. I needed to bring myself back into my body, to turn down the volume of everything I had absorbed. If you’re feeling overstimulated, overwhelmed, or untethered, grounding can help bring you back to center.

Grounding can happen in many ways. These are some examples you can try:

1. Feel your feet on the floor. Step outside barefoot if you can and connect your feet directly with the earth's energy. If that’s not an option, imagine roots extending from your feet, anchoring you deep into the earth.

2. Hold onto a grounding crystal. Last weekend, I carried black kyanite in my pocket, which helped me feel anchored in a new and highly populated space.

3. Place your hand on your heart and breathe. Sometimes, a simple touch can bring us back into our bodies, helping us reconnect with our emotions and intuition.

4. Use a weighted blanket. This was my lifesaver after last weekend. If you ever feel “floaty” or disconnected, the gentle weight can help you feel more present.

5. Speak affirming statements. Repeating grounding phrases can remind your nervous system that you are safe in the present moment. Try saying:

   • I am safe.

   • I am held.

   • I am supported.

   • I am grounded in this moment.

Say them aloud, in your mind, or even write them down. Let the words settle into your body like an anchor.

Remember, grounding doesn’t always mean immediately feeling calm or centered. Sometimes, it’s just about giving yourself permission to feel and be where you are, without judgment or expectation. It’s about showing up for yourself, even if you can only manage one step at a time.

Staying Afloat in the Waves

If you’re feeling lost, untethered, or overwhelmed right now, you are not alone. The waves of life will rise and fall, but you don’t have to be swept away by them.

Find your life raft. Anchor yourself in the present moment. You’ve got this.

Take a deep breath. Place a hand on your heart. Feel your feet on the ground. You are here, and you are supported.

And if you need a little extra support as you navigate life's waves, I’m here to help. Reach out, and together, we can find your grounding, your peace, and your strength.