Finding calm in the eye of the idiot storm
This week I wanted to talk about finding a pocket of calm, even in the midst of a whole series of stressful calamities. It IS possible. And this is based on my extensive experience in being what some (read: spouse) might call a "high strung human" and my journey from once the most stressed-out person I knew to now. Currently, I'm consistently able to find a healthy level of perspective and at times even apathy, which have led me to lower blood pressure and a generally more joyful life. Anti-anxiety meds don't hurt, but they're not the most critical either.
Even though the world is stressful and filled with idiots not taking this virus seriously (UGH, WHAT ARE WE EVEN DOING RIGHT NOW), you can still find a pocket of calm in the eye of the idiot storm.
A visual that works for me is to imagine myself attached to a giant bicycle wheel that is spinning. I can be out at the edge of the wheel, travelling this great distance all the time and being jostled around by every single bump in the road, or I can move myself toward the center of the wheel until I'm hardly moving at all. And whenever I feel myself getting worked up about something, I remind myself that I don't love living at the edge of the wheel.
Things that move me, personally, closer to the center of the wheel:
feeling physically comfortable - warm, hydrated, wearing clothes that make me feel good
repeating phrases that calm me - "Just this" "There is enough time" "None of this is that important" "I don't need to prethink everything because I am capable of handling anything that comes my way when it arrives." "I am safe and loved"
physical affection - long, deep hugs are the best
physical activity - even just a walk or a 3-minute stretch
I hope you take 2 minutes to deliberately move yourself toward the center of your wheel today.
Unrelated, this is the most beautiful, human, healthy and helpful expression of quarantine I've seen. Seriously, please take 4 minutes and watch.
