By grounded I mean re-centering ourselves. &bsp;

Now and then we should all get back to the basics of life; re-connect with our source and what life is really all about; regain sanity in an otherwise insane world.

Living in this area can really make staying grounded quite easy. &bsp;

One of the things you can do to re-center yourself is go outside and take a walk to enjoy the surrounding nature.

With a myriad of places to go around the Upstate and WNC, all one has to do is take advantage of the nature areas to absorb some type of solitude. &bsp;

Now that Jack Frost has officially nipped (more like slapped) everyones noses recently, it seems a bit hard to enjoy going outside to regroup. One could go a tad bit stir crazy about this time.

Whats a person to do in order to regain sanity around here in the cold?

Go antique shopping my friends. &bsp;

Yes, living in this area is wonderful in the warm weather months for getting out in nature to clear the cranium.

Its also wonderful due to the fact we have more antique shops than we do gas stations around these parts.

Take your pick (Ive often thought an antique gas station would be a nice touch).

The family and I all went out the other day and did a little round-robin of antique shopping of our own.

I actually shouldnt be calling it shopping, it was antique looking. We were strictly out for a day of regrouping. &bsp;

Entering an antique store has always re-grounded my wife and I. Upon entering, you immediately step back into a simpler and humbling present moment.

You can see how furniture used to be made. Your kids can see what a rotary phone actually looks like. Even the smell takes you back to your

Grandparents house when you were young. You might even see some of their household items there as well.&bsp; It quiets the mind and calms the soul just enough to re-enter the modern day world we live in. &bsp;

Now, of course, Im not promoting everyone just going looking.

I found several things (ok, my wife did, but I support her) to possibly purchase in the future (once Santa regains his finances). By all means, buy.

Lord knows there is enough antiques to go around in this area.

These stores are there for people to purchase their wonderful items, not just look.

That way, we can all take the re-grounding home with us for the winter blues ahead.

I think if we all filled some of the corners of our houses with beautiful antiques and trinkets, it would give us a daily sense of a simpler time. &bsp;

Chris Jakubowicz lives in Columbus with his wife and children. His bi-weekly column will focus on how he and his family are trying to get back to their grassroots.