Being grounded and self-regulated reflects an ability to modulate one’s level of nervous system arousal at will to remain in an optimal arousal zone (within one’s window of tolerance), using techniques such as breath practices, connecting to elements of present moment felt experience such as bringing awareness to contact points (e.g. feet to earth, buttocks to chair), and imagery (such as seeing or imagining roots growing down through the floor toward the core of the earth from one’s feet or perineum/root).

Alignment

Alignment refers to a subjective awareness of having a stable physical axis, typically experienced through the central channel of the body, either along or just in front of the spine. Energetic alignment may also be described as a:

• A sense of stability, balance, or equipoise

• A feeling deeply connected to oneself

• Having the capacity to remain so even in the face of intense experiences.

Psychologically, alignment may refer to connecting to one’s values, sense of purpose, and ideals. An ability to draw on one’s practices to maintain grounding increases the health professional’s ability to trust deeply in the process during intense emotional or physical expressions by clients and to continue trusting this will unfold appropriately and complete itself meaningfully, in its own timing, possibly days or even weeks after the session itself.