Uncovering the Magic Within Chaos: Calmness
Imagine a world perpetually frenzied, rampant with disorder, constant stress and soaring anxiety. It's a grim picture, isn't it? As an observer, all you yearn for is a flickering candle of calmness. The potency of calmness is underestimated. While simultaneously acting as the antidote for modern mayhem and the genesis of potent problem-solving, calmness wraps the therapeutic benefits of composure, tranquility, and mindfulness within its warm embrace. Delve into my experience with calmness and join me, Kaelan, in understanding its therapeutic properties.
A visit to the supermarket one evening offered unexpected insight into tranquil realms. With my two kids, Finn and Ellis, immersed in the monumental decision of choosing between chocolate or strawberry ice cream, standing amidst the organized chaos was an almost surreal experience. The noise faded, time seemed to slow, and I found myself in a moment of pure calmness, thinking clearer than ever before. As Finn and Ellis debated, their noise wasn't a disruption; it became a symphony playing softly, merging beautifully with the store's ambiance. Suddenly, I had the solution to a work problem that had been eluding me for weeks - proof that calmness is indeed an overlooked catalyst for creativity.
Finding Calmness Amid the Storm
Being calm doesn't mean overlooking your problems or running away, but rather facing them with a composed disposition. When a storm hits, navigating through torrents requires a calm mind, a comprehending heart, and a steady hand. A perfect example from history is the Captain of the ship "Endurance," Sir Ernest Shackleton. Shackleton and his crew were trapped on an ice floe for months in extreme polar conditions. What led them to survive was not panic but calmness, a clear-thinking approach, and decisive action.
While we aren't all trapped on a literal ice floe (thankfully), our lives are filled with similarly stressful crises. So, here's a tip: when you feel like you're being overwhelmed by your storm, do as Shackleton did - stay calm, think clearly, and act decisively. It might not feel natural at first, but practice makes it second nature.
The Therapeutic Benefits of Being Calm
Embracing calmness grants a myriad of benefits, not only psychologically but also physically. Lowering blood pressure, reducing heart disease risks, improving the immune system, decreasing anxiety, enhancing mood, and boosting brain function are some of the physiological benefits of calmness.
Sleepless nights, overthinking, constant fear of the world judging you? Say goodbye to all these enemies of mental peace once you adopt calmness. The serene state of mind it brings along dispenses an improved focus, productive outcomes, appreciation of present moments, improved relations, and a rejuvenated spirit. Speaking of the brain, did you know that staying calm helps maintain healthy brain function? A 2020 study found that stress impedes brain functioning and can accelerate cognitive decline. In contrast, remaining calm facilitates neuroplasticity, acting like a boost for your brain.
Personally Tested Calmness Tips and Techniques
We are under constant stress from external factors we cannot control. What we can control is our response to these external stimulations by practicing and incorporating calmness into our lives. Here are some methods that have worked for me and that you can try too:
Engage in deep breathing exercises or meditative practices. This could be as simple as taking a deep breath, holding it for 5 seconds and slowly releasing it, ideally in a peaceful environment.
Move away from city noises and engage with nature. A walk in the park, gardening, or simply enjoying a beautiful sunset can help instill calmness.
Take a digital detox. Unplug from digital devices once in a while to reduce mental clutter and increase focus and clarity.
Practice mindfulness by engaging in activities like yoga or even just being present in the current moment, helps reduce anxiety and promotes feelings of calm.
Remember when I'd mentioned about Finn and Ellis' ice cream debate? Here's a life hack for parents out there: When your kid can't choose between two equally enticing ice cream flavors, remind them they can always have a scoop of each. Just like that, a potentially stressful situation is converted into one of calmness (plus double flavors!). There you have it, folks — daily life is full of opportunities to practice calmness.
Conclusion: Embracing the Magic of Calmness
Life is challenging, and it's easy to succumb to the chaos and forget your inner strength. However, calmness, much like any worthy discipline, requires consistent practice. Nurture it like a seed, allowing it to grow and bloom into a beautiful tree of serenity and mindfulness. Remember, there is magic and therapeutic benefits in calmness, awaiting you to explore and extract. As author James Allen beautifully puts it, "A calm man, having learned how to govern himself, knows how to adapt himself to others; and they, in turn, reverence his spiritual strength."
So, are you prepared to experience the magic of calmness in your life? Your journey can start right now, in this moment, with a single breath.