Here’s your Words of Wisdom (WOW) Message of the week for Aug. 27, 2023, thru Sept. 2, 2023.
Who could use a little calm about now? If so, read on and enjoy your WOW message for the week.
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 choose 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
Originally posted on Aug. 26, 2020, written by Janette Stuart.
Check out the Words of Wisdom Guidance Cards HERE. 52 Inspiring words and messages to help you live life better.
Find out about Well-Being for ME in 2023. A year-long program of self-discovery to Live Life Better through peace, love, joy, and ease HERE. It’s not too late to join us. This month we focus on SELF-CARE and ADAPT in September.