Finding Calm in a Storm
How I find moments of peace when everyday realities of life occur
Hello my friend
Despite our best efforts to live a simple, slow and calm life, the reality is that life isn’t quite that simple. Problems arise, situations beyond our control materialise. Life changes every day, and nothing remains the same.
As Beth Kempton quotes in her book Wabi Sabi, “Everything in nature is changing and so is your story”.
About a month ago my trusty old Peugeot 107 died. It had been in my possession for a little over five years, it never let me down but finally gave up at 17 years old with 110k on the clock.
I sent my car over the metal rainbow bridge and started my search for a replacement. It took a couple of weeks, but I found a similar car, same model except slightly newer and less mileage. All was fine until a few days after I collected it. Driving home from work and it broke down. The clutch had gone. Not the best news I could have gotten. but the car has now been repaired, and all is well again.
Breaking two cars in as many weeks caused an uncomfortable shift in my otherwise peaceful world.
So, how does one restore stability when your world feels slightly off?
Here are a few things I practice regularly.
Spend time in nature
Nature is the greatest healer of all. Even as little as thirty minutes a day outside can help. Go out into the garden, visit a local park or go for a slow walk in a woodland. Find somewhere to sit down. Close your eyes and focus on the sounds around you. The birds chirping, the wind whispering through the trees or just listen to the complete silence. You will be amazed how calming this is.
Shinrin Yoku, otherwise known as Forest Bathing, originated in Japan. It is the process of relaxation. Simply defined as being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature whilst breathing deeply.
Meditation
Meditation is an incredibly effective tool for restoring balance and clarity of mind. You could try a guided meditation, for which there are many apps, or spend a few minutes focussing on deep breathing. If your mind wanders during the process, as it often will, quietly accept your thoughts and gently return to counting your breathing. Breath in ... two, three, four, and out ... two, three, four. I highly recommend practicing meditation daily.
Journaling
Journaling is my go-to tool if I’m feeling out of sorts, and I need to clear my head. I call this type of journaling a brain dump. It isn’t creative, it isn’t pretty, but it is very effective in achieving clarity.
You may know of Julia Cameron’s The Artists Way. She has a great tool that she refers to as “Morning Pages”, effectively a three-page brain dump. She recommends using this every method every morning before proceeding with one’s creative activities of the day.
Practice gratitude
When things go awry as they often do, practicing gratitude is an excellent way to bring one back to a calm space. Appreciate what you have, whether that be your health, a place to call home, family and friends, a delicious home cooked meal etc. Practicing gratitude centres one’s mind to always look for the good despite the bad things that might be happening in that moment. Keep a gratitude journal, or a gratitude jar.
Read a book, an actual book
Lose yourself in a fiction story or learn something new in a self-help book. Is there anything more satisfying than reading a book. Getting so involved in the story and the characters that the lines often blur between fiction and reality.
Thank you for keeping me company today.
My name is Debbie, and you are reading A Simple Living Journal. Navigating a part-time job whilst writing about all things Simple Living and Slow Living with a nature and seasonal vibe.
Until next time.
Take care
Debbie xx