Stay Calm, and Stay in Control
“Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.” – Pema Chödrön
So much of what we talk about at Courage to Caregivers revolves around control – recognizing what we can and can’t control, and having the courage to act on those things we can control to empower our self-growth. With all the chaos that typically surrounds a caregiver’s life, it may seem that we don’t have much control over our ability to find inner peace or inner calm. But as the quote above states, inner peace is indeed under our control.
Inner calm is a choice we make when we decide to regain control of our emotions and limit the stress we feel from external forces. We know that we can’t always control external events or how others behave, but we can control our own reactions to them. By choosing not to let outside influences dictate our emotions, we empower ourselves to maintain our balance and serenity, or peace and calm, even in the most challenging situations.
When we cultivate inner calm, we’re better able to manage stress, avoid impulsive reactions, and make thoughtful decisions. As a result, we’re more likely to stay in control and keep the situation manageable. Finding inner calm also acts as a buffer against life’s pressures, preparing us to handle challenges with poise and maintain balance in our daily lives.
Developing good habits and practices can help us cultivate inner calm by nurturing a sense of peace, balance, and emotional resilience. Here are three tools that may help you in your effort to cultivate inner calm:
BREATHING & MEDITATION: Engage in meditation techniques like deep breathing, body scans, or guided meditation to train your mind to let go of stress and distractions.
VISUALIZATION: Imagine a peaceful place or situation to mentally transport yourself away from stress. Practice guided imagery to reinforce a sense of calm.
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES: Ensure you get adequate sleep and rest. Exercise regularly to release built-up tension. Pursue hobbies or activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Pema Chödrön's words remind us that true peace comes from within, not from external circumstances. By consistently incorporating healthy coping strategies for stress into your life, you can create a foundation of inner calm that helps you navigate challenges with greater ease and resilience.
Inner calm, or inner peace, results when you focus on what’s IN your control – your emotional response in the face of chaos. When everything around you feels out of control, inner calm helps you reclaim YOUR power and decide how YOU want to respond.