Simple, practical ways to feel calmer, safer, and more grounded—through everyday moments and connection with animals.
by Laura Bernardeschi Nelson
After attending a course on resilience, I realised something important: healing doesn’t come from waiting for life to get easier—it comes from creating small moments where you feel safe within it.
If you struggle with anxiety or panic attacks, you already know how intense it can feel. Your body reacts before your mind has time to explain. In those moments, simple, real-world grounding becomes essential.
For me, that grounding came from unexpected teachers: my pussycat Panna , and two hens—Thelma and Louise.
1. Trust Takes Time (And That’s Okay)
When my hens first arrived, they were nervous and unsure. At the beginning, I was cautious too—I even wore gardening gloves when feeding them grain, worried their beaks might hurt me.
But over time, I realised something simple: they are incredibly gentle. Curious, but delicate. I didn’t need to protect myself as much as I thought.
What this teaches us is that you don’t need to rush into feeling okay. Safety is something your body learns slowly.
Try this: take small steps instead of forcing big changes. Let yourself feel unsure without judging it. Repeat simple, safe actions every day. Trust—whether in yourself or the world—is built through repetition.
2. Create a Space Where You Can Let Go
One day, something shifted. Out of nowhere, the hens started taking their first dust bath right next to me. They were relaxed, content, and completely at ease.
At the same time, my cat walked past them calmly—no fear, no tension. And they didn’t react either.
It felt like everything had softened.
What this teaches us is that we all need a space where our nervous system can finally switch off.
Try this: find a quiet place where you feel undisturbed. Sit there regularly, even for a few minutes. Let your body relax without needing to do anything. Safety isn’t something you think—it’s something you feel.
3. You Don’t Have to Control Everything
At first, I was constantly observing: will they be scared? Will the cat react?
But that moment—watching them peacefully coexist—reminded me that not everything needs to be managed. Sometimes, things settle on their own.
What this teaches us is that anxiety often comes from trying to control every outcome.
Approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy suggest something simple but powerful: notice your thoughts without immediately reacting to them.
Try this: when anxiety rises, pause instead of reacting. Say to yourself, “this is a feeling, not a danger.” Let the moment pass without forcing it away. Peace often comes when we stop interfering.
4. Ground Yourself Through Creativity and Nature
I’m an artist, and I spend hours in my garden—even in the cold. I wear two layers of wool, but I don’t want to miss the simple joy of being outside, walking through the green, creating, and playing with art and nature.
One afternoon, I was building my “tree of life” using old CDs, with the radio playing nearby. The hens stayed close, tilting their heads, making soft sounds—it genuinely felt like they were reacting to the music, almost laughing.
They are such gentle animals. At the beginning, I was a little afraid to feed them by hand, but I soon realised their beaks don’t hurt me. They are curious but incredibly delicate.
And then spring arrives.
After months of cold, the garden quietly transforms. Tulips bloom in endless colours. Daffodils appear. The apple tree begins to grow its first leaves. The photinia turns a deep, vibrant red.
It feels like a reward—not just for the work, but for the patience.
What this teaches us is that resilience is not just about coping—it’s about staying connected to what brings you back to life.
Try this: spend time outside, even when the weather isn’t perfect. Create something with your hands, without pressure. Notice seasonal changes—they remind you that things shift.
Final Reflection
Resilience isn’t a finish line. It’s built quietly, in everyday moments.
It’s going slowly.
In feeling safe without needing a reason.
In allowing things to exist without controlling them.
And sometimes, it’s as simple as this: a cat walking calmly past two hens while you stand in the garden, surrounded by colour, realising you’re okay—just as you are.
Thanks for reading.
If this resonated with you, take a moment today to slow down—step outside, notice something small, and allow yourself to feel just a little more at ease.
And if you’d like to share your experience, I’d love to hear what helps you feel grounded.