Remaining calm in the midst of turmoil will take a time of reprogramming our minds by depositing “Positives” into our Mind which will defeat each negative that pops up!
Life happens and we have no control over some circumstances.
No matter what is happening in the world around us, it is never necessary to become caught up in a state of depression, fear or any other negativity. We are not the victims of the world as we see it because we have the ability to mobilize ourselves and take charge of the way we respond to any given stimuli.
“If you continue to think like you’ve always thought, you will always get what you’ve always got.” –Ken Gaub
Depression and fear can very easily become addictive. It has been proven that the longer we allow ourselves to stay in a negative state of mind, the more difficult it can and will become to rid ourselves of them .
In this state of mind, our world tends to grow smaller as we begin to develop catastrophic expectations. At this point we even lose touch with our own power to take charge, to choose actions and perceptions which will counteract the negativity.
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” –Saint Francis de Sales
Staying Calm through the process of Centering:
Centering is universal. There are many forms of exercise, such as martial arts and meditation which are ways of achieving centering and balance. These exercises are ways to tap into the fundamental strength and courage to which every individual is endowed with. When taken on and practiced daily, an individual learns to calm down and changes will soon be seen.
In Zen they say, “Open the treasure house within.” This reminds us that we are endowed with gifts which are far greater than we currently realize or employ.
The Process of Attention:
We are what we think about..
Morita, a Japanese psychiatrist, the founder of Morita Therapy, states that all neurosis comes from frozen attention that has gotten stuck and fixed upon recurring negative thoughts. The more we give attention to that which is destructive, the more strength it has to rule our lives.
Regain your Attention by:
Realizing that the power of focus is indeed, the power of life. Spend some time each day developing focus and concentration. Withdraw yourself from the chaotic external world for a period of time each day, and pull your attention back within.
Sit down with a straight back, do not move and concentrate upon your breathing. Let random thoughts come and go. Do not suppress them, but do not let them grab your attention away. At first you may be besieged by many surprising thoughts and feelings, but if you simply notice them and then return your attention to your breathing, these will soon die down and dissipate.
Next begin to count your breaths from one to ten, then begin again. Do this for at least ten to fifteen minutes without moving. By being still and not moving we are stopping what is called the monkey mind, the mind, which jumps from one thing to the next, where fears and demands try to grab hold and sabotages our lives.
In all actuality, it is the monkey mind, which causes our sorrow and fear. Realize that it is only a portion of us, it cannot take over our lives as we learn how to take our attention back. By practicing this daily, we are strengthening new parts of ourselves, which will guide and lead us in a new direction, one of meaning, balance and well-being.
In the process of time you will learn that this wonderful time spent with yourself is a very simple way to attain perspective, remain calm and become able to see clearly as we are being rooted in the larger truth. You will see that this time becomes a fortification against many storms, which would naturally besiege you. We develop a place within ourselves, where we can always return, for wisdom, strength and comfort.
When we allow the external world to consume us, we are simply giving our natural treasures away. Rather than struggling to analyze and undo our patterns, we must learn to work directly with our attention.
The questions before us always are:
a. What am I focusing on this moment?
b. Am I present with the breathing, or lost somewhere in a dream.
c. Am I dwelling upon the pains and wrongs I think have others have done me.
d. Am I dwelling on the terrible things that can happen someday?
Reality continually renews and confronts us with new tasks, challenges, opportunities and solutions, day after day. Are we in touch with this ever flowing reality? Are we asking ourselves what is available now, what gifts we are receiving and what we can give to others, or are we dwelling upon how wronged, threatened or deprived we’ve always been?
The Process of Gratitude:
The second step of Centering is Gratitude. Depression and Gratitude cannot co-exist in the same person at the same time. If your focus in life is completely self absorbed, you will live in a prison without bars. A prison without bars is a self made prison. In this prison
feelings of worthlessness emerge, producing additional depression, hostility and stress.
With the process of Centering we become more aware and grateful. Our focus naturally changes to all that we are receiving, to the needs of others, what we can give, as well as, what needs to be done. When we do it., we take action without hesitation.
Once our focus is placed upon simple daily actions, and upon doing “deeds of service”, the monkey mind is dismantled and passing emotions do not take center stage.
One of the most powerful antidotes to any type of psychological suffering and learning to remain “Calm” through it all is the process of learning to deposit positives in our mind, along with the Can do Spirit, along with the Power of Centering.
