So, today was one of those days. I woke up feeling pretty good and with life moving full speed ahead. I dropped off my nephew at summer camp and still managed to get to work on time. I started to respond to emails and get back with clients making their summer travel plans (I’m a travel agent by day). I was whistling while I worked and thought this was going to be just another day. I was wrong.
My serenity was suddenly shattered when my manager handed me a scathing complaint from a client (commonly known as a bridezilla). The email evolved into a judgmental blaming game that wasn’t fun to endure. I was high on life until my happy bubble was so poignantly popped. It was in this moment that I wanted to freak out.
Thoughts started streaming into my mind and my reality was shaken up. I started to question my abilities and recall the incidents last week leading up to this earth-shattering email. How could I allow my peace train to be derailed into a dark ravine? I have suddenly lost the good feelings that were interrupted by such grand claims. It was only my intention to help these clients and somehow this all got lost in translation.
I wanted to throw myself onto the ground and throw a tantrum. Not literally, but the situation was nothing I wanted to deal with and a tantrum is in some ways tempting. I have found that I am less tolerable of petty situations after going through my own life-altering changes. I find myself just chalking it up as another misunderstanding or collision that is pointless to battle, so I just move on. There are so many more important things to focus on in life rather than something so miniscule.
I bolted out the door at lunch and called a dear friend who I knew could offer some perspective and possibly talk me out of saying something I might later regret. Her advice was “be still.” Those words sounded loudly in my psyche and I repeated this silently to myself – be still. My mind argued with the ability to be still in a time of chaos. That’s where the yoga practice comes into play, but sometimes that’s easier said than done. I find that sometimes it’s the little things that get me, not the big deals in life.
It wasn’t until later that I found my inner calm and I was especially grateful for my yoga class that night. I began teaching the beginner’s class and I suddenly felt a peace wash over me. This is what I love doing, teaching yoga. I could finally breathe and felt the calm amidst the storm. I didn’t exactly find any resolution after the incident, but I just wasn’t buying into the fear anymore. That’s where it all begins. For me, it’s either fear or faith. Sometimes I forget what to do and then I remember. Ah yes, all is okay. Be still.
How to find your inner calm:
- Call a positive and wise friend. He or she is your 911 lifeline.
- If you don’t know what to do, don’t do anything. Be still.
- Breathe. Inhale, exhale, and repeat.
- Ask yourself does this really matter?
- Let go of the fear. Trust it will work out.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock.
