Serenity Secrets
Have you ever just lost it? Lost perspective, lost control, lost it?
In these extreme instances, unwinding and de-escalating will take more than one breath. But the practice of removing your focus from the problem, the worry, or the situation, and moving your focus to your breath, will set you on the path to serenity.
For instance, if you’re worked up about something and you can’t seem to resolve it, stop. Go outside or to a different room. Breath and watch your breath. Count your breaths if it helps. You may need to count to 100 or more, but often even 10 deep breaths with focus have a tremendous effect. Your heart rate slows down, your mind regains its grip, your body loosens a bit.
You may choose to pair your breaths with a prayer, a scripture, or a mantra of some sort. Or not.
Some of us can go from 0 to 60 in mere seconds with our anger or sadness. Others experience a slow brood of discombobulation. These tools can be especially helpful, but it does take some practice and intentionality.
Serenity is always a breath away. That’s the secret, and you already knew it. The challenge is doing it.
Worth Repeating
The surest sign of the higher life is serenity.
-Epictetus
