Just Breathe

"Inhale the flower's aroma; blow out the candle's flame". When you need to get into a calm state, this is the mantra to use. Deeply inhale and deeply exhale. You wouldn't think that it brings peace, but it really does.

Until it was pointed out to me how much stress I actually hold in all parts of my body, I was always "clenched". My jaw, my tongue, my brow, my back, my shoulders, my thighs, and yes, my anus. Also, I didn't realize how much I clench and unclench my toes! Nothing about me resonated peace. 

Now at the first sign of annoyance on my part, I will quickly assess the state of my body. If something is tense, I know to breathe and get myself "aware" and "in the now". Most importantly I have to decide what am I able to control about a situation and what can I not control. Then I can just be. 

Remember: There is no past, there is no future, there is only ever now. Staying in the now removes all kinds of unnecessary worry. It allows you to remain calm and exude calmness. The next moment is never guaranteed, so you might as well enjoy where you are at in each moment. <3