Creating Calm in a Storm

Last week I was lucky enough to spend four days in the Cedarberg Mountains.

And it was here that I got to experience the rhythm of calmness and realising how important it is to us.

This happened during a guided rock art tour.

Abi, our guide was explaining that even though the tools that were used to create the rock art were carbon dated to 10 000 years ago, the artworks may even be older. The artworks were created  by The San,  an indigenous group of nomadic hunter-gatherers from Southern Africa who are the oldest surviving culture in the region.

We were standing in one of the caves that was sitting slightly above a river estuary and hidden by trees and bushes. We were totally surrounded by nature. It was quiet, except for the soft flowing water,  the chirping of the local birds and insects- creating a natural, melodic, rhythm.

I felt an overwhelming sense of calm. I became more aware of my surroundings, taking it  in with  my senses – looking, listening, smelling, and touching. For me it was a moment of absolute presence – something that I have experienced during my over 30 years of meditation practice, but more heightened.

I tried to imagine the tribe of San, sitting there in this naturally quiet and beautiful space, and wondered what the pace of their lives were compared to ours, and if they experienced the levels of stress, anxiousness, loneliness, and depression that are on the rise in our modern world.

Later in the day, I started to think about the ever-increasing speed of the world, the effect it will have on us,  and what we can do to increase our levels of calmness and its benefits.

One thing that I can imagine is that the San people were in tune with the rhythm of nature. The sounds that they heard were of nature and they were aware of what was friend and the sounds of foe. They knew where animals would be and when,  and they knew where and when their medicinal plants would be available.

They were also in tune with their circadian rhythm – the physical, mental, and behavioural changes that occur in a 24-hour cycle. They slept shortly after sunset, and they woke shortly after sunrise. They slept in caves, and close to nature.

In Mathew Walker’s book Why we sleep, he mentions that the invention of the light bulb began a journey of sleep disruption that will continue to be a disruption as it effects or circadian rhythm.

A disrupted Circadian rhythm can be linked to a number of health issues including depression, and insomnia.

During my time in the Cedarberg mountains, I didn’t have my laptop. I don’t have emails on my phone, and the area we were in had very limited Wi-Fi access. So, my scroll time was much less. Even though we’re being told that the continuous technological advancements will make our lives easier, it has also sped up expectation levels of producing  to an unprecedented level. And now that the AI revolution is well on its way, I expect the level of productive expectations to reach new heights.

If used incorrectly the advancement of technology has had an effect on our calmness.

In the one hand we have the calmness of nature with its natural rhythms which we form part of. However, in a modern world, for many, it’s too slow, it’s boring, and the appreciation and stimulation takes much longer than the lightning-fast hits we can get from our screens. In nature we have to look, smell, hear and feel our surroundings, we have to become present, and in the technological world we are fed information by scrolling that instantly stimulates us…or not.

I’m not against the advancement of technology but I do believe that as it progresses and speeds things up, the adverse effects increase too.

We need to get from one place to the next quicker.

We have less time and space to engage with others on a personal level.

We work later, wake up earlier,  so sleep less and leads to exhaustion and all the other ailments that are caused when we’re out of our circadian rhythm.

As the world speed up we have to be able to balance it with activities that are calming, playful and creative –for the betterment our wellbeing, creativity, and relationships.

It’s very easy to say that we have to be calm or embrace calmness, but the challenge is that it takes work to become calm.

We have to have the strength and conviction to be able to take time out from our busy everyday lives.

It takes time  to be able to spend time in nature.

It takes discipline to start meditating.

It requires commitment to meet up with friends and family.

And it takes real effort to disengage from the need to scroll.

The good news is that we do have a choice and with a few tweaks we are able to enjoy the positive effects of being calm.

When we invite calmness into our lives, it promotes.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

1. Reduced Stress: Calmness helps lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to a more relaxed state of mind.
2. Improved Focus: A calm mind can concentrate better, enhancing productivity and efficiency in tasks.
3. Emotional Regulation: Being calm helps manage emotions more effectively, reducing the likelihood of emotional outbursts or irrational decisions.
4. Enhanced Problem-Solving: Calmness fosters clearer thinking and better decision-making, which are crucial for solving problems effectively.
5. Greater Resilience: A calm disposition aids in coping with adversity, making it easier to bounce back from setbacks.

Health Benefits

1. Lower Blood Pressure: Calmness can lead to reduced blood pressure, decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Improved Sleep: A calm state of mind promotes better sleep quality, which is essential for overall health.
3. Enhanced Immune Function: Reduced stress and anxiety boost the immune system, making the body more resistant to illnesses.
4. Better Digestion: Calmness can positively affect digestion, reducing issues like stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome.
5. Pain Management: Being calm can reduce the perception of pain and help manage chronic pain conditions more effectively.

Social and Interpersonal Benefits

1. Improved Relationships: Calmness enables better communication, empathy, and understanding in relationships, fostering stronger connections.
2. Conflict Resolution: A calm demeanour helps in resolving conflicts more peacefully and constructively.
3. Leadership and Influence: Calm individuals are often seen as more reliable and competent leaders, enhancing their ability to influence and inspire others.

Cognitive Benefits

1. Enhanced Memory: Reduced stress and anxiety improve memory retention and recall.
2. Increased Creativity: A calm mind is more open to creative thoughts and innovative solutions.
3. Better Learning: Calmness aids in better absorption and understanding of new information.

Overall Well-being

1. Greater Happiness: Calm individuals tend to experience higher levels of overall happiness and life satisfaction.
2. Mindfulness and Presence: Calmness encourages mindfulness, allowing individuals to be more present in the moment and appreciate life more fully.

 And what are the ways that we can promote calmness in our busy everyday lives?

Mental Practices

1. Mindfulness Meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help you stay present and reduce anxiety.
2. Deep Breathing Exercises: Techniques can activate the body’s relaxation response.
3. Journaling: Writing out what takes up the space in our minds
4. Visualisation: Imagining a peaceful scene can help relax your mind and body.

Physical Practices

1. Regular Exercise: Physical activity releases endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce stress.
2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This involves tensing and then slowly releasing each muscle group to reduce physical tension.
3. Adequate Sleep: Ensuring you get enough restful sleep is crucial for managing stress and promoting calmness.
4. Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall well-being.

 Environmental Adjustments

1. Declutter Your Space: A clean and organised environment can reduce feelings of overwhelm and promote a sense of calm.
2. Soothing Sounds: Listening to calming music, nature sounds, or white noise can create a peaceful atmosphere.
3. Aromatherapy: Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus can have a calming effect when used in a diffuser or as a room spray.
4. Nature Exposure: Spending time in nature or even looking at pictures of natural scenes can lower stress levels.

Lifestyle Changes

1. Set Boundaries: Learning to say no and setting boundaries can prevent burnout and reduce stress.
2. Time Management: Organising your time and prioritizing tasks can prevent feelings of being overwhelmed.
3. Social Connections: Maintaining healthy relationships and seeking support from friends and family can provide emotional relief.
4. Hobbies: Engaging in activities you enjoy can be a great way to relax and unwind.
5. Play: Doing something with no purpose – just because you can.

Professional Support

1. Therapy or Counselling: Talking to a professional can provide strategies and support for managing stress and promoting calmness.
2. Coaching: Working with a coach can help you develop personalized strategies to enhance your well-being and reduce stress.

Taking the time out to promote our wellbeing is a choice, which will require sacrifices, but the benefits far outweigh the consequences if we don’t act.