Finding Peace in the Storm

I was in my early 20s and persistently worried, constantly ruminating about some real or imagined trauma. But I had a good friend—no doubt frustrated with me—who would calmly advise me to breathe, fall back, regroup, and just be.

It seemed I was almost always in fix-it mode, rushing to judgment and making snap decisions. She encouraged me to turn within for guidance, but I resisted because I thought it would take too long.

Eventually I understood that sometimes the only way to determine what is mine to do is to do nothing and listen to Spirit.

As human beings, we often feel there must be something we should be doing in the face of adversity. But we are human beings and not human doings.

Although I know better now, at times I find myself rushing into fight-or-flight mode when I feel fearful or threatened. Once I hit a wall, I remember to fall back, regroup, and follow my friend’s advice. It works every time.

Psychologists say the reptilian brain governs our basic instincts and reacts quickly to trauma. One psychologist describes it like a Frisbee flying at our head so fast we don’t have time to think. This is when we must practice shifting from head to heart. By focusing on our breathing, we give our brain time to reboot and reconnect with our heart space.

Peace! Be Still!

The textbook we commonly refer to as the Bible contains simple instructions for overcoming anxious and fearful feelings: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

One of the gospel stories that demonstrates our power over circumstances is when Jesus calmed a storm on the lake with a wave of his hand and the phrase “Peace! Be still!” (Mark 4:39) This has become one of my go-to affirmations when negative emotions cloud my judgment: Peace! Be still!

The instructions may be simple, but they are not always easy. They require intentional practice. When I catch myself reacting to situations beyond my control, I intentionally become still, focus on my breathing, and repeat to myself, Peace! Be still! or I am one with God, until my emotions subside and I am overcome with a sense of peace. It may take many repetitions before I find my center.

As human beings, we often feel there must be something we should be doing in the face of adversity. But we are human beings and not human doings.

So allow me to pass on my friend’s sage advice from those many years ago, which has gotten me through some really tough situations.

When you find yourself worrying and fearful about things over which you have no control, go to your heart space, focus your attention on your breathing, fall back from the temptation to solve the problem yourself, and regroup your thoughts by rebooting your brain with a simple affirmation, such as Peace! Be still! or I am one with God.

Then allow the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, to do its perfect work in and through you.

Trust me, it works!