"How Do You Find The Calm Within The Storm?"

How do you stay centered when everything around you is going haywire? How do the Buddhist Monks do it?  They seem to be so calm... even in the midst of terrifying events.  Serenity is achievable when things ARE going your way but what about when things aren't going your way?  In fact, how can you possibly stay centered when things around you seem to be falling apart?

These are the million dollar questions!  The answers unfortunately aren't so easy to do in the middle of a crisis:

Meditation

Prayer

Relaxation

Exercise

Yoga

Creative Visualization

Self Soothing Techniques

These are nice ideas but what about when you are right in the middle of it?  This is when you are on the roller coaster and cannot get off. You are in fight or flight mode and you need to act and be on high alert.  Adrenaline is pumping and you do not have time for relaxation. So, here is what you need to do and you can use this for panic attacks too:

Visualize a white light coming out of every cell of your body.  If you believe in a higher power, this light is from your higher power.  If you do not believe in a higher power, this light is from the universe.  The white light is around you and is coming out of you as a shield of protection.  You can visualize this around your home, children, pets, and whatever else you want protected.  If you are in the midst of a real storm, an emotional storm, a panic attack or any other scary event... take that white light and push away the fear with it.  Think of it as a shield and visualize the white light protecting you from any type of harm.  If you can breathe deeply at the same time as the visualization you will calm yourself down completely.

Weather the storm and if you cannot do any of this in the middle of the crisis then begin when the crisis is alleviated.  It gets easier with practice. Good luck and email or call if you have any questions.

Love and White Light,

Pamela
 
 

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Pamela Tinkham, MSW, LCSW is a psychotherapist specializing in weight control, addictions, stress management, relationships, anxiety, and depression and is also a nationally certified Health Fitness Specialist from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).  Pamela has a private practice in Greenwich, Connecticut.  Please call (203) 621-0242 for more information.