written by Rebecca-Sophia Strong
Photo by Johannes Plenio
As the world shifts around us, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. Whether it’s personal challenges or collective anxieties, finding inner calm is essential for maintaining balance. A powerful practice that can help is glading the mind—a method for shifting perspective and calming the nervous system.
What Is Glading the Mind?
Glading the mind is inspired by Buddhist practices and involves consciously focusing on the positive to cultivate wellbeing. This practice is particularly soothing for mental health and connects us with our natural ability to experience joy and peace, even in difficult times.
Uncertainty often triggers fear and anxiety, leading the brain—especially the left hemisphere—to focus on worst-case scenarios. This fear response, driven by the amygdala, can leave us stuck in a fight-or-flight mode. When this becomes chronic, it can dysregulate the nervous system and heighten feelings of overwhelm.
The good news is that glading the mind helps shift this dynamic. By intentionally focusing on the present and embracing positivity, we can calm the nervous system, restore balance, and experience greater inner peace. For those seeking Anxiety Therapy, incorporating this practice can provide additional support on the path to emotional balance.
Balancing the Brain: Left vs. Right
The left hemisphere excels at logic and problem-solving but often fuels fear and stress in uncertain situations. The right hemisphere, on the other hand, is the seat of creativity, curiosity, and imagination, helping us see the bigger picture.
When we glade the mind, we activate the right hemisphere, moving away from anxious thoughts and toward a sense of joy, awe, and connection. This shift is a simple yet powerful way to stay grounded and present—especially for those navigating anxiety or working through challenges with Anxiety Therapy.
The Power of Curiosity
Curiosity is central to glading the mind. It shifts us from fear to discovery, transforming the unknown into an opportunity for growth. Research shows curiosity activates the brain’s reward system, fostering euphoria and wellbeing—exactly what we need during stressful times.
By embracing curiosity, we open ourselves to new experiences and find opportunities to learn and adapt, making it easier to stay centered even in difficult circumstances.
Practical Ways to Glade the Mind
Here are simple, actionable ways to practice glading the mind and calm anxiety:
Engage with Music
Music is an excellent tool for activating the right brain. Listening to songs that bring joy or calm can shift your focus from worry to wellbeing. When feeling overwhelmed, try playing a favorite track and allowing it to reconnect you with your emotions.Read Poetry
Poetry’s rich language and metaphors can inspire connection and presence. Reading a meaningful poem aloud—or sharing it with someone—can amplify feelings of joy and deepen emotional connections.Practice Movement
Physical movement helps release tension and clear mental clutter. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or walking, movement reconnects you to your body and breath, calming the nervous system and shifting energy.Notice Your Environment
Take a moment to observe your surroundings and find things that bring you joy. It could be the sight of a beautiful plant, a cherished photo, or sunlight streaming through the window. Grounding yourself in these positive elements can redirect your focus and cultivate gratitude.
A Simple Daily Exercise
Take a deep breath and feel your feet on the ground.
Place a hand on your heart to create a sense of safety.
Look for three things around you that bring joy or calm.
Notice how this focus shifts your emotional state, and take a moment to savor the feeling of wellbeing.
A Path to Greater Calm
Practicing glading the mind regularly can retrain the brain to seek out beauty and joy, making it easier to stay resilient in the face of anxiety. For those exploring Anxiety Therapy, this practice can be an excellent complement to other strategies for achieving emotional balance.
By embracing curiosity and focusing on positivity, you can nurture a mindset that supports your mental health. Incorporate glading the mind into your daily life and experience the transformative power of this simple yet profound practice.
If you want to learn more about Anxiety Therapy, click here.