CHAOS TO CALM
One would think that trying to introduce a sense of calmness and peace into your life requires some significant changes to your lifestyle or rollercoaster journeys. The reality is anything but. In actuality, bringing calmness to your chaotic life requires small changes that prove to be monumental in changing the quality and direction of your life in the long term. As the theory of the butterfly effect states, a small flap of a butterfly’s wings can cause hurricanes halfway across the world. Similarly, making minor positive changes can ultimately improve your life.
The goal of these particular techniques and tips is not to completely turn your life on its head from the moment you start practicing them. In contrast, the goal is to make a slight change in your life every single day, so when you look back months and years later, you’ll realize how much your life has changed.
The following tips and techniques to bring calmness and tranquility into your life may seem challenging to implement. Alternatively, they might not seem significant enough to bring a more positive spin on your life. Even though these techniques look simple enough on paper and inconsequential on the surface, they have the potential to improve the quality of your life in the long run. The only thing you need to do is trust the process and make an effort to keep at these techniques until you make them indispensable parts of your routine.
Meditation
Meditation is one of the most widely known and beloved practices regarding a calm, peaceful and relaxed state of mind. Meditation is essentially an activity where one focuses on breathing to build mindfulness and attention within themselves. The idea is to remain in the present moment rather than letting your thoughts run themselves wild and worry you in the process. It seems simple enough to implement, but because our minds are so used to wandering, it quickly becomes a challenge. At this point, many people are tempted to give up and let the brain chatter remain. Few push through and keep trying until they learn to meditate correctly and become more mindful.
Learning how to meditate seems pretty tough if you feel like you’ve failed the first few sessions. However, it is easier to implement than you might assume. The most significant advantage of meditation is that you can start wherever you are. Close your eyes and begin paying attention to your breathing. Notice your body and surroundings; ask yourself what textures you feel and how your breath flows. A common misconception is that you shouldn’t let your mind wander, and many criticize themselves for a mistake that is so human. If you feel your mind wandering, acknowledge that, and return your attention to your breathing and body instead of berating yourself for letting your thoughts flow freely.
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to sit for hours on end until your back hurts and your mind goes blank. For starters, only meditate for as long as it brings you energy. Meditating every day, or even every other day, will help you ground yourself and protect yourself from the chaos of the world and the racing pace of life itself.
Add more joy and playfulness
Trying to make your life more peaceful and calm doesn’t mean you need to focus on the serious side of things. Nothing heals you more quickly and thoroughly than a dash of joy and playfulness in your everyday life! One of the most beneficial things you can do for your mental health and emotional self is to let your inner child take over.
Childish joy is primarily frowned upon by adults; there is a societal expectation that once you are an adult, you need to be serious and strict. The fact is, that is the opposite of what most people need. Being an adult means being on top of your responsibilities and duties, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Having some fun and being playful is by no means a bad thing.
Incorporating small, playful activities into your life can make a world of difference in your emotional state. Little things such as going on a walk to pick flowers, playing catch with your friends, drawing cartoons, watching a favorite childhood movie, or jumping into puddles can pick up your mood better than anything else. These activities don’t need to be chaotic, expensive, or time-consuming as long as a small act brings a sliver of joy into your life. You’ll realize that by doing something fun every day, there will be many more good days to reflect on.
Heal your past: unforgiveness is the root of all diseases
One reason why so many people struggle with the chaos in their life is because of their pasts. History tends to cling to you, especially when you have unresolved issues or relationships that fell apart. Without a sense of closure, it is very easy to stick to it and let it define the present.
Unforgiveness is the root of this emotional turmoil. This includes not forgiving those who wronged you, along with not forgiving yourself. Perhaps in your past, you acted in ways that shame you and upset you in the present moment. The solution is not to beat yourself up and make yourself more miserable than you already feel. Not forgiving yourself is not as liberating as it may seem.
Forgiveness is the most basic kindness you can grant yourself and others. If someone wronged you, let them go. Forgive them even if you don’t want to forget how they made you feel - they were only human, just like you are. Similarly, if you made mistakes in the past that you regret now, forgive yourself and let yourself heal. If you stick to unforgiveness, you will feel as if you do not deserve to feel okay just because you made some mistakes. You will feel unworthy of love, kindness, and compassion. Give yourself the permission to heal and make your life worth living.
