CALM

Be still. Feel the peace.

Be still. Feel the peace.

Definition: Centered, peaceful, serene, at ease

 

Other: Zen, relaxed

Opposite: Frenzied, rigid, tempest, tightly wound

Some thoughts that come to mind when I think of calm are “Be still and know that I am God.” All is calm…all is bright. What songs, verses, or sayings bring calm to you?

People may tell us to “calm down” (which never works, by the way, it just makes matters worse) or to “Stay Calm and Carry On.” 

We learn by example. Think about someone you know who is the definition of calm.  What sets them apart from others?  Is it because they live a charmed life and have no problems?  No, it is that they are using their inner wisdom to mindfully chose to respond to life’s challenges versus reacting. They are using their inner power and strength and not giving it away by letting circumstances dictate the course of their life.

Being calm is a choice. We always have a choice of either reacting or responding.  Reacting is our reflex, our automatic default, whereas responding is making a conscious choice as to how we behave or approach situations. 

Think about a hurricane.  There is a huge force of energy whipping about, rain, wind, thunder, lightning yet, in the midst of all the chaos, is the eye of the storm where it is peaceful and calm.  I love this analogy for our inner operating system.  Chaos can be swirling all around us and we can choose to remain calm and centered.

Think about your normal operating system, are you the eye of the storm (calm) or the raging wind and rain of the hurricane (chaos)?

How does being calm feel in our bodies?

·       Slowed, even breath

·       Relaxed belly, face, jaw, and shoulders

·       Open

·       Controlled

·       Mindful

·       Ease

 How does stress feel in our bodies?

·       Hyperventilating

·       Shoulders up to ears, clenched jaw, lips pursed, jaw set

·       Tense

·       Loss of control

·       Chaotic

·       Stomach in turmoil

 Look at these two lists and add what feels important to each.  We also want to give you some ways to shift from frenzy to calm.  

Here are some ways to increase our sense of calm.

·       Spend time in nature

·       Move your body, shake out the worries

·       Meditate

·       Nap

·       Bathe

·       Listen to peaceful music

·       Create something

·       Spend time with an uplifting person

·       Journal

·       Self-care, getting enough sleep, hydration, and nutrition

·       Ingest positive content

What are some of your favorite ways to shift to a calm state?  Today’s invitation is to do some of those things and embrace the calm. 

 Find the Good.

Becky and Janette  

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