Calmness of Mind Starts with you here & now

“The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace. A persistent simplification will create an inner and outer well-being that places harmony in one’s life. ~ Peace Pilgrim.

Calmness of mind is not dependent on time, circumstances or others. Don’t procrastinate; don’t wait for the right moment. 

Tips for simplifying your life to find calmness of mind

1. Prioritise what you are doing (important things first).
2. Find a relaxation technique that works for you (jogging, fishing, gardening, or yoga).
3. Don’t sweat the small stuff (let go of petty squabbles, focus on the bigger stuff).
4. Slow down (Try to fit less in your day, think quality over quantity).
5. De-clutter your world, de-clutter your mind. (Throw out anything not beneficial).
6. Accept don’t expect (we can have a lot of expectations for ourselves and others).
7. Drop multi- tasking (finish one activity at a time and you will have more clarity & calm).
8. Practice compassion (give yourself and others a break).
9. Be patient (Adapt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. ~ Ralph Waldo Emmerson).
10. Change your outlook and behaviour (breathe, get present,aware and meditate).

Quotes

· "If you think you are enlightened, go spend a week with your parents." ~ Ram Dass

· "Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous and indifference toward the wicked." ~ The Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali.

· “In the most incredible of storms, calmness lies within.” ~ Robert Grayson Sentor.

· "Every Body wants a happy life and a peaceful mind, but we have to produce peace of mind through our practice." ~ Dalai Lama.

· “The most tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control. Its presence is an indication of ripened experience, and of a more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of thought.” ~ Jame Allen

* Top image of me by a waterfall by my brother, photographer Darren Pateman in Newcastle. 

This was used as the Spirit Yoga Theme for the week, I hope it can inspire you to find a calm mind too!