Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.
—Dalai Lama
Only if it was so easy. The stress of life gets in the way of being our best selves. It clutters and masks who we are. The hardships and unpredictabilities take us away from our core. And, all of a sudden we do not recognize ourselves. So how can we reframe our outlook? To the best of our ability, we must put our emotions aside. We cannot let our feelings and hurt guide our decisions. If we do, we only harm ourselves. When irrationality prevails over calmer heads, it never leads to good long-term outcomes.
We see it around is every day, which is why a measured composure is a real differentiator and something of a rarity. When someone is exercised about a situation, they will not be heard because their emotional reaction becomes the focus. Even if the point is a good one, when delivered with undue excitement, it may not be taken seriously. If one cannot keep their emotions in control, how can they offer sound advice, a balanced perspective, or be taken seriously?
It’s a real struggle. It’s much easier to react than pause and regroup. It’s also easier to mouth off than sit back and listen. Someone with fewer words that are delivered thoughtfully will always become the magnet—the side we are attracted to versus repelled.
There is a reason why people take time to meditate, walk in peace, read in silence and seek out soothing activities. We need to be intentional about shifting to a better, more peaceful starting point. The Dalai Lama mediates for five hours a day! While we do not have the time or discipline to do that, we can practice in our own way. With deliberate focus and attention, we can keep exercising the “steady emotion” muscle. After time it becomes easier and the brain begins to remember.
So, when you get fussed up, just keep calm and carry on.
