Being Present & Grounded - A Dyslexic Challenge

Sometimes a realisation just hits you like a gentle tap on the shoulder. In this latest podcast episode, I share a moment in a coaching session that reminded me of the power of being present in my dyslexic mind. If you’ve ever wondered what it means to truly ground yourself, especially when your brain loves leaping in twenty different directions, you’ll find a heap of insights here.

We talk about the difference between being present in reality and being present in our active imaginations. We explore ways to bring that calmness into tough situations and why multitasking might not be the superpower we think it is. Let’s jump in.

Being Grounded & Present in the Dyslexic Mind

Being present isn’t always easy. Dyslexic minds hurry off looking for the next shiny idea. But there’s so much value in hitting pause and noticing where you are right now. It’s helped me see that I don’t have to fix everything at once. Instead, by focusing on what I’m doing, I feel more confident and less frazzled.

“In a recent coaching session, I had a little aha moment. A realisation about being present in my dyslexic mind.”

What does being present look like for me? It starts with deep breathing, checking in with how I feel, and allowing my mind the space to settle. When I do that, I’m more open to learning and I see new ways to handle my day.

Do You Have to Be Present Only in Reality?

One of the big insights from the podcast is that being present doesn’t always mean you have to be rooted in actual, physical reality. You can also harness the power of your imagination. If you’re like me, your mind is bursting with worlds that don’t exist yet, which is a strength.

But what happens when that creative spark feels like it’s running away from you? We sometimes panic and try to clamp down on our wandering thoughts. The trick is to meet them halfway. Let them play, then bring them back to a grounded moment—whether that’s in your head or here and now.

This may sound a bit contradictory, but consider letting your imagination work for you like a creative partner. Instead of ignoring it, try:

• Scheduling free-thinking time (even five minutes might be enough).
• Turning random ideas into simple doodles or bullet points.
• Channelling imagination into personal goals and small projects.

When we allow presence to exist in both reality and imagination, we often feel less scattered. It’s as if we’re telling our mind it has permission to daydream, but within helpful boundaries.

How Can You Bring This Practice into Challenging Times?

It’s easy to be present when looking at a scenic sunset. It’s harder when you’re juggling finances or dealing with family conflict. Yet that’s precisely when presence can have the biggest impact.

If your brain is sparking with anxiety, consider these simple pointers:

• Stop and Name: Say to yourself, “I feel stressed.” Just naming it can reduce tension.
• Double Your Breathing: Breathe in for a count of three, exhale for a count of six. This slows your heart rate.
• Look or Touch: Find something around you—a cushion or your own hand—and really pay attention to its texture or colour. This simple action grounds you in the moment.

When we’re in difficult situations, presence helps us see problems as bite-sized chunks rather than one huge monster. We can then deal with them more calmly.

Why I Believe Multitasking is Not as It Seems

People often assume multitasking is the hallmark of a solid performer. But for the dyslexic mind, multitasking can be a trap. We might feel busy and productive, but we end up scattering our energy on half-finished tasks.

What if, instead, you do small tasks one at a time? You get to savour the feeling of truly completing something. It also gives your brain a break from trying to spin multiple plates simultaneously. Think of it this way: it’s better to shoot one arrow and hit the target than shoot five arrows and miss them all.

When you feel yourself flipping between a dozen thoughts, ask: “Is there just one thing I can do right now that will make a real difference?” That simple question refocuses your efforts. It may feel a bit odd at first, but it’s a huge timesaver in the long run.

Here’s a quick recap of what I’ve covered:

• We can be present in both reality and imagination.
• Grounding yourself in big or small ways helps reduce mental clutter.
• Being fully here in tough moments makes them more manageable.
• Multitasking feels productive but often leaves us more distracted.

If you find this interesting, you’ll love the full episode.

• Look for that moment of presence: Try a short breathing exercise and see how it affects your mind.
• Partner with your imagination: Give your creative spark the space it needs, but guide it gently.
• Tackle challenges in small steps: Pause mid-crisis if you can, breathe, then act.
• Consider single-tasking: Devote your energy to one thing at a time for real progress.

If any part of this resonates, let me know what struck a chord. If you want to dive deeper, the podcast player is right above where you can hear more about this aha moment. I hope it sparks something for you, too.

Give the episode a listen and let me know your own tips for staying present. I’d love to hear from you.

Looking forward to our next chat.