Take charge. Stay calm.
1. Come into the present moment. When you panic, your thoughts break time barriers. You imagine, “This will go on forever.” Or, “Nothing will ever change.” Take as much time as is needed to move your awareness around your body, noting where you are in time and space at this very moment. Breathe slowly into the moment. I know it sounds silly. That’s good. Silly is better than panic. “Breathing slowly as I stand in the airport…I calm my body.” Or, “Breathing in through the soles of my feet, I feel more grounded.” You will actually feel some of that anxiety leave you and a greater sense of control and calm return. I promise.
“The world is new to us each morning”
What is the universal message for “all humankind” – regardless of religious labels?
Surely the greatest challenge we face today is learning what the call to love asks of us, inwardly and outwardly. Learning what it might mean to love universally, regardless of “liking” or “agreeing with”. It’s the call that’s at the heart of all religions: the only call or idea fully worthy of our attention. Learning to love because we can and not just when it suits us. Learning to understand that love can transcend personal preferences or even affection. The usual messages at this time of year call for peace on earth. But peace would follow very naturally if we were to heed the call to love. Love is the supreme transformational power. It transcends personality and opinions. It demands and it offers at least a minimum of care. How could we wish harm to people whose lives we care about? Those we know, those we don’t know; those like us, those miserably unlike us: our care could and perhaps has to include them all.
How to save your marriage!
If your marriage or love relationship is worth saving – and many are! – then these steps may help. They will take you towards a renewed awareness of how you can lift your partner’s spirits – and your own – with consistent, trustworthy attitudes and acts of kindness, consideration and thoughtfulness. These are the most precious jewels you could ever give. They create an atmosphere of trust and affection where everyone can flourish. Such behavior makes you easy to love; it makes you delightful to be around. No investment we make will ever be more important than the time and thought we put into our closest relationships.
Featured book
Everyday Kindness
Publication December 2011
Stephanie Dowrick’s new book, Everyday Kindness: Short cuts to a happier and more confident life, offers short, wise and often entertaining chapters on parenting, food, moods, self-confidence, personal power, relationships and work. Add kindness to the mix – or greater care, appreciation, good humour, respect – and life itself takes a welcome turn for the better.
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