Cultivating Calm and Activating Mindful Ripples
Over the next few days and weeks, how can you cultivate feelings of calm?
The space between stimulus and response is where your power, control, and relief lie.
In times such as now, when so much is out of our control, we can still deliberately choose and practice thoughts that cultivate calm.
Calming and useful thoughts that may help:
There is hope.
It will be ok in the end.
The earth will continue to spin.
The sun will continue to rise and set.
Suffering is part of life.
Nature is healing.
Life will go on.
I have everything I need right now.
Your breath is always available.
Worry only pretends to be necessary.
I am doing the best I can.
I am exactly where I need to be right now.
I am doing everything I can at this point in time.
Not helpful, scary, and worrisome thoughts will, of course, continue to pop up.
These thoughts are natural in our current circumstances.
Expect them, notice them, allow them for a few minutes and then go back to ones that cultivate calm.
Why practice calm?
Because it feels good. It is good for you. And it is good for others.
You can actually also help others by practicing mindfulness yourself.
“Research shows that meditating benefits everyone around you- whether you are in the same household or connecting virtually.”- mindful.org
In families, when one person practices mindfulness, it impacts the happiness of other family members.
When parents practice mindfulness, studies show that the whole family is happier.
When one spouse practices mindfulness both are happier with the relationship. These relationships are less reactive and less conflict-driven.
What’s even better?
The impact doesn't stop with the people in our home. There is a ripple effect of mindfulness.
“Interpersonal Neurobiology” demonstrates impact 4 degrees of separation away.
There is a common saying. “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” These days this includes physically and on social media.
Cultivate calm and practice mindfulness not only to help you, but to help the world.
This “ripple effect” of mindfulness on public health and happiness is why I pivoted to mindful life coaching, teaching yoga, and sharing mindfulness through Pause and Presence and the Mindful Healthcare Collective.
Today and in all the days ahead, I hope you will all choose to model for others how to be calm. Our world needs it.
May we all be well.
May we all be loved.
May we all be calm.