Grounded in Chaos: Resilience Through Adversity
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Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, testing our resilience and forcing us to rebuild from the ground up.
If you’ve ever been faced with life’s unexpected challenges, you understand how very true this statement is.
I recently sat down to interview Dr. Lisa Nezneski, a leader in integrative medicine and author of Grounded in Chaos. In our powerful conversation, she shared her journey through loss, transformation, and the healing practices that helped her reclaim her life.
Together, we explored the importance of community, the power of holistic healing, and practical advice for anyone facing adversity.
Dr. Lisa Nezneski’s Journey of Transformation
Dr. Lisa Nezneski’s story is one of profound loss and remarkable recovery. After losing her home, life savings, and long-term marriage, she found herself at a crossroads.
Rather than allowing herself to give up, these challenges became the catalyst for personal transformation. Dr. Nezneski shares how she initially ignored early warning signs—both emotional and physical—until a health crisis forced her to confront the need for change.
Her experience highlights a universal truth: ignoring our inner signals only leads to greater adversity.
“The longer you ignore the symptoms that your body is trying to get your attention with, the worse the situation is going to become.”
Dr. Nezneski’s professional life was equally demanding. As a leader overseeing multiple high-stakes departments and responsible for hundreds of employees, she carried immense responsibility. Yet, it was a personal health scare—a moment when her heart rate plummeted to dangerously low levels—that became her turning point. This moment of crisis taught her the importance of listening to her body and prioritizing self-care.
Holistic Healing: Practices for Resilience
After her health scare, Dr. Nezsneski made the difficult decision to sell her home and relocate, seeking a fresh start. She found herself living in an RV, facing new challenges, and ultimately moving to the beach for healing. This period of upheaval led her to explore a range of holistic practices:
Reiki and Energy Healing: Regular Reiki sessions helped her release pent-up emotions and restore balance.
Meditation: Dr. Nezneski became dedicated to meditation, eventually earning a mindfulness meditation teacher certification. She now meditates twice daily, finding it essential for managing stress and maintaining emotional well-being.
Journaling: Inspired by Linda Pritchard Metaf’s proprioceptive writing, she began journaling to process her emotions and insights from meditation.
Nature Therapy: Time at the beach, surrounded by negative ions and the vast ocean, provided a powerful environment for emotional release and healing.
Establish Routine: Dr. Nezneski also emphasizes the importance of routine, especially during times of chaos. Establishing daily rituals—such as meditation, writing, and walking—helped her regain a sense of stability and purpose
If you find yourself struggling or facing adversity, consider trying any of these strategies for yourself. Start slowly with one and build upon that - change can be difficult and overwhelming, especially when you’re stuck in survival mode.
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Through HeartMath® coaching, I’ll guide you in simple, science-based techniques that help you shift from anxiety to calm, in just minutes a day. This approach strengthens your heart-brain connection, increases resilience, and brings more clarity and inner balance—especially during emotionally intense times.
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The Power of Community and Asking for Help
Another of the most profound lessons Dr. Nezneski shares is the importance of not facing adversity alone.
Many people, especially those who are independent, hesitate to ask for help. However, reaching out to professionals—therapists, psychiatrists, or holistic healers—can make all the difference.
“You are not alone. You have to ask for help. So many people who are independent think, ‘I’ll just do it myself.’ Well, no—it comes to a point where you’ve either poured out that pitcher and there’s nothing left, or it’s outside your bandwidth.”
Dr. Nezneski encourages listeners to seek support from those who are not personally invested in their outcomes, as this can lead to more objective and effective guidance.
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Grounded in Chaos: The Book and Its Message
Dr. Nezneski’s book, Grounded in Chaos, is a deeply personal account of her journey. The title reflects her practice of grounding—connecting her energy with the earth to release stress and find stability. She describes grounding as a technique that involves opening the foot chakras, allowing earth energy to enter the body, and forming a circuit that promotes healing and resilience.
The book is filled with humour and honest reflections, offering readers a sense of connection and hope. Dr. Nezneski’s “odd thoughts” and poetic observations provide levity and insight, reminding us that change is an incremental process.
“Change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s these incremental changes where you continue consciously to repeat that same mistake until you gradually come forward and find your other side of the street.”
Practical Advice for Navigating Adversity
So what can you do? Here is some practical advice for anyone facing significant life changes:
Feel Your Feelings: Instead of suppressing emotions, allow yourself to experience them fully. Ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” and be gentle with yourself.
Embrace Change: Change can be frightening, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. Approach challenges with curiosity and a willingness to learn.
Establish Routines: Daily rituals provide stability and help you stay grounded during turbulent times.
Find What Works for You: Whether it’s meditation, journaling, therapy, or energy healing, explore different practices and stick with what resonates.
🫶 Ready to apply these practices to your own life? I’ve helped clients build supportive, sustainable routines using tools like guided journaling, breathwork, personalized affirmations, and daily rituals tailored to their needs. If you’d like a hand creating yours, schedule a personalized session with me »
Conclusion
Dr. Lisa Nezneski’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and holistic healing. Her story reminds us that we’re never alone in our struggles and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
By embracing change, practicing self-care, and staying connected to supportive communities, we can navigate even the most chaotic periods and emerge stronger on the other side.
For those seeking inspiration or guidance, Dr. Nezneski’s book Grounded in Chaos and her holistic healing services offer valuable resources for anyone looking to rebuild and thrive.
🦋 Let’s take the next step together. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or a sense of groundedness, I’m here to support you. Book a discovery session or explore my programs here — transformation is possible, and it starts with one brave step.
[Medical Disclaimer]
Please consult with your doctor(s) before starting any new mental or physical health improvement program. The advice I offer is not intended to replace that of your medical practitioner. I am not a medical professional, nor am I qualified to diagnose, cure treat, or prevent disease. The advice I provide on this website is intended for a broad and diverse audience, and as such, deals with general lifestyle concepts, not specific healthcare advice. This material disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the advice expressed herein.