What are some ways to achieve calmness in your life? First, pare away the things you don’t need. Live an infinitely simple life free from unnecessary anxiety or worry, without being swayed by other people’s values. The variety of what people talk about is endless, but if I were to generalize, I would classify the major problems as anxieties, worries and doubts. When I listen carefully to these concerns, here is what I notice: almost all of them are in fact delusions, assumptions, mistaken impressions, or imaginary fears. I might even say they lack any substance. The truth is, if we look at them objectively, I find that we often allow ourselves to fear shadows that aren’t really there. Maybe this sounds familiar: something you were worried about was weighing you down, but then a random comment or occurrence made you realise how insignificant it was and you were amazed by how much lighter you felt. I want to share some thoughts that help me when things get tough.
- Reduce, let go, leave behind.
- Don’t compare yourself to others.
- Focus on “Now” and cherish yourself
- Don’t burden yourself or drag yourself down
- Pare down your belongings. It will lighten both your mind and body
- Just be, as you are. Don’t focus on things you have no control over
- Be gracious
- Recognise limitations. We can only work within our own abilities
- Concentrate only on things you can achieve here and now. By doing so, you will stop thinking about unnecessary things.
- Reconsider the obvious. You will realize the happiness to be found in the present moment
- Don’t rush, don’t panic. Once a day, make sure to stand still
- Respond positively. It is okay to feel down but get yourself up again soon.
- Cherish the morning – the best way to create mental space.
- Live by your own standards. Don’t be swayed by other people’s values
- Don’t seek out the unnecessary. Stop binging on too much information
- Shine wherever you find yourself. If not now, when?
- Don’t go against your feelings.
- Make your evenings calm. Late at night is not the time to make big decisions.
- Step away from competition and things will fall into place. Everyone is their own person, and I am who I am!
- Don’t fixate on victory or defeat. It doesn’t matter whether you win or lose.
- Keep at it. Slow and steady. Do this before you envy others’ talents.
- Use the right words. Words possess awesome power
- Accept your circumstances, whatever they may be.
- Stop complaining. Change!
- Do today’s things today -the secret to feeling unconstrained in life.
- Be more tolerant. You be you and let others be themselves.
- Go with the flow. Solitude is fine, but isolation is not.
- Don’t just talk for the sake of talking.
- Eat and drink with your whole heart.
- Even when big storms are coming, do not shake.
- Every day is a good day.
- All things come from nothingness.
- Have a flexible mind. Accept things you cannot change.
- Change the air in your home. Do this first thing, as soon as you wake up in the morning.
- Breathe deeply.
- Cherish your connections. It’s no accident that you happened to meet these people.
- Make good connections.
- Spend ten minutes a day in nature.
- Admit errors. Not only in words but make the effort to convey this emotionally as well.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Someone will be there to lend a hand.
- Be a good listener. Relationships are about give and take.
- Don’t base decisions on profits and losses. Relationships not based on personal gain will shine of their own accord.
- Love & Marriage: Words of appreciation make a good relationship. Even in matters of love, moderation is just right.
- Children: Helicopter parenting plants seeds of worry.
- As you prepare to meet your end, what are the words you would like to be remembered by?
I encourage you to consider writing down your own feelings about anything. Like in a notebook, a journal, whatever makes you happy. Please share your comments below.
