There have been many disasters, natural or man-made, of late that we as average citizens may feel like we have no control over. We seem to be buffeted around by the winds of change or by the winds of some blizzard. Some of us may feel shaken by the most recent financial sector collapse or by the earthquakes that seem to be increasing in frequency. How do we navigate the roiling waters of a flood or the waves of unending bad news?
The fact is, there is no place that can’t be struck by a disaster. And no matter what we would like to believe, there is no job that is guaranteed nor is there a marriage immune to change. Relationships shift, companies and people die. Nothing stays the same. Change is the constant in life and it seems that the rate of change is increasing exponentially. We know that man’s knowledge now is doubling every 8 years. It feels like we are being overloaded with information. How much is really important and how much is actually trivia?
So how do we keep up? How do we cope?
One way of dealing with all the changes is actually by slowing down. You heard me right – it’s not about speeding up your processing of information or doing things quicker in the hopes of getting more done, but about reversing the trend and going slow.
Take time each day to meditate, even for 5 to 10 minutes. By stopping, taking a breather and stepping away even momentarily, you put perspective between you and what is happening at that moment. This gives you time to think and process your thoughts and, most importantly, your feelings.
Another way is not letting the newest gadget control us. It’s up to us to become the masters of our lives. Who said we always have to pick up the cell phone, answer email or post on Facebook? When we make conscious decisions about what to do next and set priorities for a busy day, we reduce stress.
Most importantly, we need to maintain our balance. Not only do we need to balance our work and play, but we must also maintain an internal balance. Acting from a place of peace and calm allows you to deal with whatever the universe throws at you. Don’t buy into the drama of the news, or the drama of those around you.
Keep in mind that, if you can’t take action yourself on an issue, getting emotional about it will neither solve the problem nor keep your balanced. Again, meditation is a great tool to help you find your center.
Ironically, many people find that when they go a little slower, they’re actually more productive! Often I receive feedback from people who try these techniques and they discover that it’s easier to accomplish more when they function from a calm place instead of panic or anxiety. These people are truly in the driver’s seat of their lives.
From my perspective, the onslaught of information and major events will not slow down anytime soon. In order to enjoy a harmonious life, it’s crucial to remain the center of calm in the storm. Humans have faced hardship for thousands of years, and for just as long they’ve used the above techniques to find inner peace and balance. This goal is completely within your grasp. It only takes some practice and an open mind for success. That is why it’s called the practice of meditation!
