Calm Is A Superpower: So Why Is It So Damn Hard To Find When We Need It Most?

In the rush of our daily lives, where deadlines loom, traffic tests our patience, and obstacles ambush us at every turn, I've come to regard the ability to remain calm as nothing short of a superpower, and it is one that I ain’t got! It just seems frustratingly out of reach for me. Despite my efforts to achieve it, this elusive quality slips through my fingers like sand on the beach.

Reflecting on my own journey, I've realised that my concept of calmness was profoundly shaped by my mum's example. Her unwavering composure in the face of adversity seemed like a superhuman feat.

However, delving deeper, I've learned that calmness isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. It's not about suppressing emotions but fostering inner peace and resilience.

I love Brene Brown's insights into the habits of calm people; in her talk "The Power of Vulnerability", she sheds light on the challenges of mastering this skill. Brown highlights the importance of conscious breathing—the fundamental link between body and mind. By mastering this simple yet powerful act, calm individuals activate the body's relaxation response, which I find unbelievable, considering how heavily trained I am in the intricacies of breathwork.

Calm people excel at assessing situations rationally, steering clear of knee-jerk reactions fueled by irrational fears. They discern between real and perceived threats, channelling their energy into productive responses rather than succumbing to worry or panic.

But does freaking out ever truly help? While it may provide a temporary surge of adrenaline, it ultimately clouds judgment and jeopardises well-being. In contrast, embracing calmness equips us to navigate challenges with resilience and creativity, finding solutions even in the face of adversity, although I have yet to do this very well.

So, how can one cultivate calmness in a world rife with chaos? The answer lies in consistent practice, mindfulness techniques like meditation and yoga, or cognitive-behavioural strategies that challenge negative thought patterns. Neuroscience reveals that such practices reshape our brains, strengthening connections to the rational mind and enabling us to respond to stressors with clarity and purpose.

Ultimately, calmness is not an innate trait but a skill that can be honed over time. By embracing practices that promote relaxation and mental well-being, we can harness the superpower of calmness, navigating life's storms with grace and resilience.

The next time you feel overwhelmed by stress, remember that calmness is a choice you can make in the moment. Take a deep breath, anchor yourself in the present, and embrace the transformative power of inner peace. In a world in constant chaos, calmness may be the most valuable currency.

If you want to hear more about this, check out the podcast episode here:

https://www.thekristydavis.com/sir/eps41