These days as we face ongoing uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic, one thing we can all use more of is inner peace. We need ways to stay calm and focused on what matters most to us amid a barrage of news that’s often unsettling, sad, or scary.
In this crazy world of seemingly constant chaos, we sometimes let negative energy steal our inner peace. But at its core inner peace is really about self: self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-love, and self-care. And those are all things we can control — no matter how chaotic things around us become!
Here are some methods for cultivating inner peace, calming your nerves, and finding balance —even when it seems the world is spinning out of control
1. Seek Daily Inspiration — Research to find things that inspire you and lift your spirits. Perhaps it’s a daily quote, a TED Talk, a phone call to a friend, or just watching the sunrise or sunset. Whatever gives you strength can help in finding inner peace.
2. Focus on One Thing — You might be dealing with distractions from kids, cell phones, or even TV while cooking, cleaning, or driving (which is dangerous — don’t do it!). Take time out to focus on just one thing. This can help de-clutter your mind and give your brain a bit of a break. When you start feeling those distractions, take time out to focus on just one thing. This can help de-clutter your mind and give your brain a bit of a break. When you find yourself with some downtime, consider using it to meditate. Even better, proactively schedule time for it. The beauty of meditation is that it doesn’t require anything but your focus, and even the shortest amount of time spent meditating can help you feel more peaceful
3. Practice Being Present — The past is the past, and the future is uncertain. You cannot change tomorrow by worrying today, and agonizing over things you have said or done won’t change the past. Instead, consciously choose to enjoy what is happening today. Beautiful things are always happening around us. If you’re distracted by the past or the future, you might miss them. Something as simple as paying attention to details, like the grain of your wood floor or the way the trees shift in the breeze, can bring your mind into the here and now.
4. Commune With Nature — When you embrace the majesty of nature, you may start to realize the glory and the awesomeness that surrounds you. And research suggests that feeling awe can make you happier, healthier, more humble, and more connected to the people around you. Your daily struggles are very real, but appreciating your surroundings can help put things in perspective. Let the sights, smells, and sounds of nature envelop you.
5. Try Grounding/Earthing — When you feel better after a day at the beach or going barefoot in the park, it may be about more than just having fun and spending time with loved ones. Wiggling your toes in the sand or grass has benefits we are only beginning to fathom. The contact between your skin and the ground can reconnect you with the earth. More research is needed, but some experts believe that the electrical charges from the earth can have a positive effect on your body. You can try it yourself with this two-minute grounding exercise.
6. Release Trapped Emotions — Sometimes vague negativity inside you can plague each moment and weigh you down. This may be due to Trapped Emotions that you don’t even know are there. Using techniques like those described in The Emotion Code book may help you find inner peace by identifying and releasing these Trapped Emotions and the negative energy they bring. There are also thousands of practitioners around the world who are certified to use these methods to help you in your own journey of energy healing.
7. Simplify — We tend to convince ourselves that the chaos in our daily life is put upon us by outside sources, but ultimately it all boils down to our choices and priorities. Ask yourself what you can let go of or simplify. Stop overcommitting to projects, meetings, and activities, and start having more downtime. Rid your space of unnecessary objects and create clean lines and simple spaces in your home.
8. Tackle a Problem — If your days are filled with a nagging issue that you just can’t let go, tackle it. Even if it can’t be fixed or finished in a single day, at least you’ll know you’ve made progress. Develop a plan and timeline for how to complete it. You will feel a lot better if you take the first step in completing something you’ve been needing to do but putting off.
9. Unplug — Devices and social media can be great tools to keep friends and family connected and communities informed; however, they can also exacerbate negative feelings. If you’ve noticed feelings of inadequacy from comparing yourself to others after using social media, or you just don’t feel as happy after being on it, consider cutting it out for a while. Remember that social media only allows small glimpses into other people’s lives — and only includes the things they want others to see. The same goes for immersing yourself too much in negative news. Unplugging can help you feel calmer and be “in the moment” with yourself and your loved ones.
10. Choose to Be Kind — Kindness is simple. Kindness is free. Kindness can change the world. Kindness can be a powerful tool in attaining inner peace, for you, and for others. When you can choose to be anything, choose to be kind. It will improve your mood, open doors, and you may even see the kindness reciprocated.
Try practicing some all of these strategies and see what a difference they may make. Remember, cultivating calm and inner peace begins with self-awareness, self-acceptance, self-love and self-care.
About Dr. Bradley Nelson: Veteran holistic physician Dr. Bradley Nelson (D.C., ret) is one of the world’s foremost experts on natural methods of achieving wellness. He has trained thousands of certified practitioners worldwide to help people overcome physical and emotional discomfort by releasing their emotional baggage. His best-selling book "The Emotion Code" provides step-by-step instructions for working with the body's energy healing power. A newly revised and expanded edition of "The Emotion Code" is now available from St. Martin's Press. For more information and a free Emotion Code Starter Kit, visit www.emotioncodegift.com.