How to Find Calm in the Chaos

Shock, disbelief, sadness. These are just some of the myriad of emotions that ran through my mind last week when watching the chaos ensue at our nation's Capital Building. The reruns of the alarming sights continue to plague every time you turn on the news. It is hard to watch and brings a heaviness to heart.

Though I think all of us knew we wouldn't turn a corner into 2021 and have everything magically changed, no one was expecting what occurred. It will likely be several months before the country is able to process and move on from this event.

I have spent some time processing my own emotions over the last several days and have now moved to a place of internal peace, hope for positive change and a brighter future.

In times of uncertainty, is it possible to find calm - to be steady in the midst of even the biggest challenges? It is not easy, but I believe you can.

Here are 5 ways you can have inner peace, even when the world around you is in chaos:

1. Get Centered. When a home is built on a solid foundation it doesn't matter how strong the winds blow, it remains fast. You and I can be blown about by the storms in life, but we don't have to succumb to them. Take your focus from the storm to the place of your foundation. For me, this place is my faith in a never changing God who has the world in his hand.
2. Experience your emotions. The way to move through painful experiences is to allow yourself to feel what you feel. You can do this through meditation, prayer, journaling, or talking it through with someone. As you do this, allow yourself to "just be." Know you don't have to feel a certain way. For a few moments, let go of your natural desire to control, and just be.
3. Have compassion for yourself. Beating yourself up for feeling anxious or fearful doesn't help you. Simply treat yourself as you would a friend that is going through a difficult time. You don't push them to move quickly through their feelings, rather you sit with them and give them space. Do the same for yourself.
4. Have compassion for others. With so much divisiveness it becomes harder to have compassion and empathize with others. Yet compassion is important in our own lives and in society in general. Realize that everyone has their own story and burdens to bear. Recognize when criticism and judgement arise and learn to let that go.
5. Practice self-care. It is important to take care of your health, and in times of high stress and uncertainty, even more so. When you are tired, hungry, or stressed, you are more prone to be negative, or take actions you may later regret. Put a focus on eating right, getting plenty of sleep, and moving your body every day.

There will be storms that come your way.

When you have built a firm foundation, you can remain strong and steadfast. Even in the chaos of life, you can be at peace.