If the World Is Volatile, We Must Ground Ourselves

In this episode of Walk the Walk, Scott McLarty, Head of School at Providence High School, explores the essential practice of grounding ourselves in a world increasingly marked by volatility. As news cycles quicken and technology evolves at a relentless pace, Scott urges listeners to reconsider how we can cultivate stability amid uncertainty.

This episode delves into the concept of grounding, drawing from Brené Brown’s insights in Strong Ground, where she argues that true stability not only offers resilience but also fosters the ability to embrace change. Scott highlights the detrimental effects of the "attention economy," which can distract us from our sense of grounding, underscoring the urgent need for mindfulness as a countermeasure, as emphasized by neuroscientist Amishi Jha.

To offer practical guidance, Scott presents five foundational practices to help listeners root themselves in their daily lives:

1. Return to Rituals: Emphasizing the importance of daily rituals to create stabilizing routines.

2. Feel Our Feet: Encouraging physical reconnection to reinforce our awareness of the present moment.

3. Re-root in Values: Advocating for value-driven decision-making to ensure our actions contribute to greater stability for ourselves and others.

4. Practice Joy: Reminding listeners to actively choose joy that provides respite from the chaos.

5. Lean into Community: Highlighting the communal aspect of grounding, where individual stability supports collective balance.

Scott invites listeners to pause and reflect on their own grounding practices. He emphasizes that in a rapidly changing world, grounded individuals can create a sense of safety and growth for those around them.

Please visit www.providencehigh.org/walkthewalk to join our mailing list and become a part of the ongoing conversation.

Walk the Walk can be found on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, LinkedIn – or wherever you listen. Please support us by liking and subscribing.

Thanks for walking the walk.