The Power of Being Planted: Finding Stability in Chaotic Seasons

We often think of being planted as being stuck—but planting is not a passive state. It is a purposeful one. Being planted means being supported, held, and rooted long enough for growth to occur beneath the surface. In chaotic seasons, when everything feels uncertain, overwhelming, or uprooted, grounding yourself becomes an act of survival and strength.

Life transitions—grief, breakups, career changes, moves, identity shifts—can leave us feeling like the ground beneath us has shaken. These moments often trigger the fight‑flight‑freeze response, making it hard to think clearly or feel stable. But even during the most unpredictable seasons, we can create inner grounding that helps us stay connected to ourselves.

Being planted during chaos begins with accepting that instability does not mean failure. It means you’re human. Every plant faces storms, yet its roots deepen not in perfect weather, but through resistance. You too can grow deeper roots during uncertainty.

One powerful grounding practice is identifying your “anchors”—the people, routines, places, or habits that bring you back into your body when your mind feels scattered. Your anchors might include morning light, a warm drink, a soft playlist, breathwork, journaling, affirmations, or simply sitting still for two minutes with your hand on your heart.

You can also strengthen your sense of being planted through mindful awareness. Ask yourself: What is still true about me, even in this chaos? What strengths am I already using? What support can I reach for? Being planted is not about never moving; it’s about having a center to return to.

When life feels out of control, your stability does not come from fixing everything at once. It comes from grounding yourself one breath, one thought, and one choice at a time. You are not stuck. You are planted. And planted things grow.