memories of spending time in the garden of my grandparents. I still can smell all the plants there. The memory when I held my daughter in my hands for the first time. I don’t know if I ever felt so much love before. I was somehow surprised how nature was trusting me to be a good father. also the many moments when I was in some kind of flow, when I still was painting a lot. a special kind of energy is taking over then. when my spiritual teacher more then 40 years ago gave me an intense Hugh and said welcome home, though he was very strict.
¨In reality there is only the source, dark in itself, making everything shine. Unperceived, it causes perception. Unfelt, it causes feeling. Unthinkable, it causes thought. Non-being, it gives birth to being. It is the immovable background of motion. Once you are there, you are at home everywhere.¨ Nisargadatta
I can cultivate peace in the midst of chaotic moments by focusing on things I can change and working on them, while accepting what I can’t change and learning not to worry about what is beyond my control.
I have struggled with anxiety all my life. My biggest battles are always within. Like others, breath work, sacred pauses, claiming the strength of my ancestors are a few of the ways I cope. I practice mindfulness by monitoring my self-talk because many times it is my saboteur, my inner bully. I truly believe that all the strength we need is available in the present moment–not the past or the future. I do my best to claim it. I pray for wisdom in all situations.
By using skills that I practice in times when there is no chaos. like removing tension from the body. concentrate on breathing. being not judgmental. being aware of awareness. there is always peace, silence and yet aliveness
I’m reminded of what Tara Brach calls the “sacred pause”. I suppose it is akin to what so many of you have described as simply breathe in, breathe out. I’m grateful for this question today, because this sacred pause is something that I aspire to and too often forget to practice in the moment. It speaks to my life-long codependent tendencies. I look forward to the joy and peace that comes from responding after a sacred pause with compassion and radical acceptance….instead of compulsively reacting. This is my prayer and my heart’s desire.
Om Shanti friends…peace, peace ♥
Seems to me the cultivation of peace needs to happen well before chaotic moments so it has become more of a grounding and habit that is there to rely on in the chaos. Then I can remember to take in a deep breath, pause, breathe out, and remind myself that anything coming at me from other people is about them, not about me.
I have the assurance of some chaos today and this question is very timely. I will meditate this morning before the particularly chaotic moments and do yoga at lunch after for a moving meditation.
Thanks, Barb C – indeed, chaos is not the best place to cultivate anything good, is it? ‘Though I do like the image of trying to be aware, in chaos, of the need to cultivate peace. Warm wishes to you in the chaos of your day 🙂
Breathe in deeply and out slowly. I often put my hand over my pounding heart to remind me to do this. If another nearby seems panicky, I may try to make eye contact and bring them into the slower breathing. If the chaos is within a group/gathering, I am not sure what I would do, though I generally avoid large or unknown groups.
Thank you, Dear Pilgrim, for your post. I’ve copied it to my gratefulness doc. It’s still hard for me to recognize you with your new ‘face’ but I’m glad to hear from you again 🙂 Hugs: {{{Pilgrim}}}
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Listen. Be quIet and listen.
memories of spending time in the garden of my grandparents. I still can smell all the plants there. The memory when I held my daughter in my hands for the first time. I don’t know if I ever felt so much love before. I was somehow surprised how nature was trusting me to be a good father. also the many moments when I was in some kind of flow, when I still was painting a lot. a special kind of energy is taking over then. when my spiritual teacher more then 40 years ago gave me an intense Hugh and said welcome home, though he was very strict.
¨In reality there is only the source, dark in itself, making everything shine. Unperceived, it causes perception. Unfelt, it causes feeling. Unthinkable, it causes thought. Non-being, it gives birth to being. It is the immovable background of motion. Once you are there, you are at home everywhere.¨ Nisargadatta
Breathe.. focus on 5he breathe, the grateful things in your life.
Return to the source – the core. The Love and Bliss that is ever present. The quiet reassurance. The knowing.
I can cultivate peace in the midst of chaotic moments by focusing on things I can change and working on them, while accepting what I can’t change and learning not to worry about what is beyond my control.
Remembering to breathe is the most important action for me to take when I am stressed.
I have struggled with anxiety all my life. My biggest battles are always within. Like others, breath work, sacred pauses, claiming the strength of my ancestors are a few of the ways I cope. I practice mindfulness by monitoring my self-talk because many times it is my saboteur, my inner bully. I truly believe that all the strength we need is available in the present moment–not the past or the future. I do my best to claim it. I pray for wisdom in all situations.
I’m still seeking the answer at nearly 77 yrs old 😐
Me too friend Mica….approaching 70 rapidly and still learning, growing (I hope) and practice, practice, practice! Be well 🥰🙏
By using skills that I practice in times when there is no chaos. like removing tension from the body. concentrate on breathing. being not judgmental. being aware of awareness. there is always peace, silence and yet aliveness
I’m reminded of what Tara Brach calls the “sacred pause”. I suppose it is akin to what so many of you have described as simply breathe in, breathe out. I’m grateful for this question today, because this sacred pause is something that I aspire to and too often forget to practice in the moment. It speaks to my life-long codependent tendencies. I look forward to the joy and peace that comes from responding after a sacred pause with compassion and radical acceptance….instead of compulsively reacting. This is my prayer and my heart’s desire.
Om Shanti friends…peace, peace ♥
Seems to me the cultivation of peace needs to happen well before chaotic moments so it has become more of a grounding and habit that is there to rely on in the chaos. Then I can remember to take in a deep breath, pause, breathe out, and remind myself that anything coming at me from other people is about them, not about me.
I have the assurance of some chaos today and this question is very timely. I will meditate this morning before the particularly chaotic moments and do yoga at lunch after for a moving meditation.
Thanks, Barb C – indeed, chaos is not the best place to cultivate anything good, is it? ‘Though I do like the image of trying to be aware, in chaos, of the need to cultivate peace. Warm wishes to you in the chaos of your day 🙂
It will be my challenge to be mindful of my own state and taking action to calm my state and be a calm presence.
We have a very chaotic circumstance here, much more than a few moments. Your responses have helped me at this tragic time in our lives. Thank you,
Breathe to calm myself. Identify what I can do to help. Act, not react.
Breathe in deeply and out slowly. I often put my hand over my pounding heart to remind me to do this. If another nearby seems panicky, I may try to make eye contact and bring them into the slower breathing. If the chaos is within a group/gathering, I am not sure what I would do, though I generally avoid large or unknown groups.
Thank you, Dear Pilgrim, for your post. I’ve copied it to my gratefulness doc. It’s still hard for me to recognize you with your new ‘face’ but I’m glad to hear from you again 🙂 Hugs: {{{Pilgrim}}}
Always a joy and blessing to be with you each Tuesday May you have a peace-filled day my friend.♥
Blessings and peace to you, my friend! I am a little late!