5–4–3–2–1 GROUNDING MEDITATION For Anxiety Relief

Welcome.

This is a grounding meditation designed to help bring your awareness into the present moment through your senses.

The numbers in this practice are simply a gentle guide.

There's no need to focus on doing it perfectly.

What matters most is allowing your attention to connect with each sense in a way that feels supportive and grounding for you.

Take a moment to settle in.

Placing your feet firmly on the ground.

You can do this sitting or standing.

Let's begin.

Begin by noticing your breath.

There's no need to change it.

Just observe the natural rhythm of your inhale and exhale.

Allow your body to soften slightly with each breath out.

Gently bring your awareness to your sense of sight.

Without straining or searching,

Notice five things you can see around you.

They can be near or far,

Familiar or new.

Take your time allowing your eyes to rest on each one.

Simply noticing shapes,

Colors,

Or light.

Now shift your attention to your sense of touch.

Notice four things you can feel.

Perhaps the support beneath your body,

The texture of your clothing,

Or the air against your skin.

You might also notice internal sensations like warmth,

Heaviness,

Or gentle movement.

There's no need to label or judge.

Just notice.

Bring your awareness to your sense of hearing.

Notice three sounds,

Near or far,

Obvious or subtle.

You might hear sounds within the room,

Outside,

Or even the quiet hum of the space around you.

Allow each sound to come and go naturally.

Now gently notice your sense of smell.

See if you can identify two scents or even one,

Whatever is available to you in this moment.

If no clear scent is present,

You might simply notice the neutral quality of the air as you breathe in.

Finally,

Bring awareness to your sense of taste.

Notice one taste in your mouth,

Or the absence of taste.

Perhaps the lingering flavor of a drink,

Or something you recently ate,

Or simply the sensation of your breath.

Let this be gentle and effortless.

Take one more slow breath in,

And a long steady breath out.

Notice how your body feels now compared to when you began.

Remember,

You can return to this practice any time you need to feel more present,

Grounded,

Or supported.

When you're ready,

Gently bring your awareness back to your day.