When facing major life changes or transitions, actively let go of the life you had planned and surrender to the life that’s meant for you. Recognize that nothing lasts forever, viewing perceived endings as opportunities for new beginnings and freedom.
Adopt a stoic mindset by concentrating solely on what you can control (your actions, effort, and presence in the moment) and releasing concern over external factors or outcomes. This practice helps maintain mental discipline and reduces stress.
Engage with difficult people or opponents by making strong, dispassionate arguments without personal animosity or rage. Understand that holding onto hate harms yourself, and compassion frees you from being burdened and blinded by it, even if you don’t condone their actions.
To effect positive change, focus on your own vitality and ‘coming alive’ rather than solely trying to shift external circumstances. In a noisy and anxious world, choosing calmness and silence is a ‘radical act’ that adds sanity and compassion.
When time is limited, engage in 5-6 minutes of intense deep breathing techniques (e.g., Wim Hof style with 30-40 reps of deep inhales/exhales followed by an exhale hold, or 4-7-8 breathing) to quickly ‘drop in’ to a meditative state. This can be done almost daily and before bed to reconnect with your body.
Before traditional mindfulness meditation, perform 1-5 minutes of deep breathing (e.g., breathing deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth as if through a straw) to help settle your mind and prepare to ‘drop in’ more quickly, potentially reducing the time needed to achieve stability.
When experiencing significant public or personal defeat, focus on ‘doing your duty’ and expressing gratitude. Model graceful behavior, especially for children, as it provides a crucial lesson in facing adversity with class.
Consciously avoid getting drawn into ego-driven ‘fights’ that escalate negativity and require you to ‘win.’ Instead, make your points and take your stand with calmness and less emotion.
To manage stress and maintain mental calm in turbulent times, consider taking a ‘media detox’ by limiting social media and news consumption. This can help lower blood pressure and improve your overall well-being.
Do not strive for perfection in practices like meditation or managing difficult emotions. Acknowledge that self-critical thoughts are normal, and the goal is to do your best and learn to let go of those thoughts rather than achieve flawless execution.
For individuals dealing with trauma, engage in structured deep breathing workshops (like the Art of Living Foundation’s Project Welcome Home Troops, involving series of 30 slow, medium, and fast breaths) as a primary method for processing and healing trauma, as it can be more accessible than immediate traditional sitting meditation.