βPatience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in mind.β ~David G. Allen
A Short Buddha Story To Calm Your Mind
- For the next SEVEN days, work on maintaining a sense of calm. This means , controlling your mind and body to be more calm than your usual state of being. Start today, writing your intention in the comments below. At the end of each day, including today [βDay 1β], return to these comments [in this message] and add βDayβ + the day number + ONE insight for that day [edit this same message]. Peace be with you.
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Thank you!
Calmness Check for a Week
My intention is to create a better life experience by monitoring and controlling my level of calmness throughout each day for a week.
Already off to a rough start but this is interesting..
Day 1: It was a real struggle to stay calm throughout the day. I was able to keep it in mind but I noticed certain moments that my energy shot up from emotional things [especially training players] so I worked on letting things go emotionally and just explaining the situation. I think it made things better.
Day 2: I thought I fell off the wagon!! Somehow my click was incorrectly set so I thought I was late. I sent messages apologizing and everything! Nothing calm about that! As I hustled out the door, I realized that I was an hour early. I had a laugh at myself & used the time to get a few things done.ο»Ώ π ο»Ώ
I did better the rest of the day, maintaining a state of calmness because I’m getting used to paying attention to it. I have triggers that get me charged up instantly! I notice that it is linked to impatience [nonproductive expectations] so I plan to as myself, “What can I do right now to get the best outcome?” This way I focus on things that really matter.
Day 3: [My entries are posted late but I kept them in my notes..] I got off to a great start today! Always seems to be easier when I’m with my daughter. So interesting. I realize now, though, that I am not really patient but I just have a lot of clear expectations. I run out of patience as soon as things are not how they should be in regards to individuals ability and understanding.
In the past, I saw this as accountability but I now see this as unnecessary tension. If I am working to help empower people, I have to continue to connect to the big picture view of their experience. This way, I can guide them along the process for the best next actions or bring the perspective that shines light on where they should go next.
Day 4: Today was tough. I feel like I fell off the wagon because I abandoned what I was doing to stay focused and I didn’t recover from that mindset. I had to stop and regroup to start the proper self-talk all over. It was like starting from scratch!
I’m commited so I am gradually building back up but it feels like a loss. That’s probably over damatizing the whole thing but that’s what’s in my head right now.
Day 5: This was the toughest day even though it started easy – spent a lot of time by myself. Later in the day, I had to focus on bringing clarity to a few situations. I kept calm by going along the journey as if I too was, for the first time, discovering the details we discussed. In a way, I was because we are constantly learning, growing & evolving.
I feel more calm now than I did on day 2. I have more conciousness on how I need to be in order to function at a higher level as well as what I need to do to maintain it.
Day 6: Thursdays are always empowering because it’s like a mid-week weekend – since my weekend is all work. I didn’t realize this before but this is my reset day. Knowing this now, I need to plan things better to take advantage. Never thought calmness would show me so much!
Day 7: I am definitely a finish strong type of person! I’m luck that we started on Saturday because today, I feel like a different person. I am way more calm now than I was a week ago! The part that stands out the most is the self-talk.
I expected to go through some challenges because I know that I’ve been emotional [too emotional] but I did’t know what it would show me that I just wasn’t paying much attention to. The other thing is that I realize the value of conscious focus [much better than general knowledge of a thing]. I thought I knew what to do to remain calm – just tell myself, “stay calm..” ο»Ώ π ο»Ώ] but now I know, it is WAY more effective to have a state of being that I can anchor to as well as navigate by talking to myself as if guiding a path back to calmness.
Lastly, calmness & drama are enemies! When I get emotional or dramatic, it resembles feeling pity for myself and it makes me more dramatic. That results in a lack of concern for being calm. I have to remind myself that I am tough enough to face whatever it is and it’s just a step [or mis-step] on a long journey.
Well said, I too have realized the value of conscious focus and have really built it. I also have learned that staying calm makes life more enjoyable!
Agreed!
day 1, I will not let other peoples madness affect
my mood. I am in control of my Spirit and will focus on positive vibes in order to maintain my Calm.
Amustadπ
Day 1: I will breathe and relax whenever I feel angry or upset. Letting my emotions control my actions is something I would like to have control of
My intentions are to notice if I start to lose patience, notice the triggers, and notice how long it takes me to calm down. I will try to take deep breaths and think of something I am grateful for.
Day 1: I noticed I lost patience when shots weren’t falling. I took a step back and got water and gave myself time to calm down.
Day 2: I noticed I did better staying positive during the impatient moments during the day, including waiting in long lines and running errands. If I do sense myself getting impatient I need to be careful with my words because I don’t want to hear myself complain.
Day 3: I began to lose patience while doing my accounting homework so I closed my laptop and took a few moments to regain my composure.
Day 4: I had a really busy but productive day. I managed to stay calm throughout the day and I am happy with my progress.
Day 5: I am at home now so these next few days will definitely test my patience. I definitely lost my patience a few times whether it was with school or my parents but as long as I don’t let it visibly show and I keep going I will be fine.
Day 6: I was becoming impatient with a group member of mine but I reminded myself that I don’t know what she has going on in her life so I should try to be more understanding.
Day 7: I can’t believe the week is over. I want to keep tracking my patience log now! Friday was fine, definitely room to improve in how I interact with my parents.
Iβm glad to hear you found purpose in this activity. Also, happy to hear about your progression throughout the week. Keep it up!
Itβs very hard for me to be patient in some situation, but I will try my best to stay calm.
Day 1 i will count 1 to 10 when I canβt control my anger & see what happens!
Funny that this is the topic for the day/week as I sit at a complete stop at the Hillsborough shredding facility.
One thing I will do to maintain calm and patience is to follow my instincts and just go to Staples and shred
My time is more valuable than the cost.
A new habit will be to pay to shred every 6 weeks snd NEVER find myself in this place again
Day 1, my intention is if I start to lose patience and my emotions start to take control of me, I will calm down and noticed what triggered me to lose my patience.
Yes, definitely noticing what triggered you to loose your patience is the first step!!
Knowing what triggers you puts you in the driver’s seat. You can then look for ways to eliminate the trigger.
I just had a conversation with my middle son about controlling his emotions in a stressful situation. That can be a challenge, but things are as they are. I truly believe there are no mistakes.
I intend to avoid letting an obstacle in my plans for the day completely ruin the rest of it.
Day 1: Iβm not sure why my account wonβt let me edit my comment, but I think yesterday I was able to control my calmness even though I had a busy, tiring day. By taking deep breaths after recognizing my rising emotions, I was able to have patience with myself and those around me.
On Day 2 I used a different type of patience, which was ability to continue working with little variations. I had a day full of homework yesterday, and with patience I was able to get it all done despite having to work longer than usual.
On day 4, I set a goal in the morning to get all my work done before practice and tutoring so I could go to bed a bit earlier, and I achieved it. It took patience and realization of the reward during the times I usually do other stuff instead of homework, but I was so happy when I got an extra hour of sleep.
Day 5: Yesterday was exactly the type of day that tried my patience. I was able to be resilient with deep breaths and thoughts of achieving my goals, and I didnβt let obstacles overcome me (for very long).
Day 6: I failed in my patience challenge yesterday. I had a change in schedule coming up, namely, lacrosse tryouts and going back to in person school for a day, and I had a mental breakdown and didnβt complete the work I meant to. With that being said, its opportunity to grow today and learn from those mistakes, and accepting that I am imperfect.
Day 7: I let obstacles in my day let me become overstressed. I continued to work, but I failed to calm myself down. Next time, I need to find a quiet place for a few minutes and take some deep breaths.
My intention for day 1 is to look at the big picture and show gratitude when I am not able to feel a sense of calmness.
I used my time with Hayden on a bike ride to be thankful that I can be out and about riding with her. Thankful for our health. Help to keep things in perspective.
Day 2 Rainy days are days that test my patience when it comes to our puppy. She is a different dog when it rains- constantly taking things and jumping up. She longs to be outside.
I started early by reminding myself to practice patience and to breath deeply and slowly. It was helpful. We both survived the day. I kept reminding myself to be patient- she is just a puppy stuck indoors. Looking forward to the sun tomorrow.
Day 3 This is an easy week for me. The kids are on break and our schedule is pretty open. I donβt feel rushed and have spent some time watching tc during the day. It has been calm and easy. Even the puppy has been calm.
Day 4 I found the only moment I became irritated and frustrated was while driving. Someone was in the left lane going 10 miles under the speed limit and I couldnβt get around him. I counted to 10 and then flashed my highs-which caused the car to move to the right. Typically, I would stay behind the car and remain frustrated and not flash the car over. I was surprised how quickly he moved. Need to try and solve the problem before getting frustrated.
Calmness for a week.
Starting the day feeling tired and worn down. Letβs see how this goes.
Day 1: (will reflect at the end of the day.)
Day 1: I struggled to stay calm when my daughter beta in throwing fits at little things. I had to be very intentional on how I responded to her.
Day 2: Today was a good day. I was more aware of how frustrated I would get and was able to adjust quickly.
Day 3: I forgot that I was working to stay calm. I lost my cool with my husband in the morning due to something being misplaced. After we talked about it, the rest of the day went smoother.
I intend to stay calm around people and situations that often frustrate me. I will do this by counting how often I get frustrated. I will like to notice the triggers that cause me to lose my sense of calm.
Day 1: I noticed that I became frustrated with my dad once, but quickly recovered after I realized. I noticed that keeping a sense of calmness allows me to think better and think straight.
Day 2: I did well keeping calm especially in situations I usually donβt. I reminded myself my goal this week and I lost my calm twice more. Putting my number at 3 times this week so far.
I think I will practice some type of self care tomorrow when I wake up first thing. A big thing to identifying and stopping myself from loosing my calm and getting frustrated is identifying when my emotions are rising and always being self conscious and looking for that. Not letting the moment engulf your train of thought is what I realized a big part of staying calm.
Day 3: I did not lose my calm even once. I understand it is much easier for me because my interaction with others is minimal. I am only around my family so it makes life a little easier. But what I did today, workers out great!
Instead of getting annoyed or frustrated with questions I thought were βstupidβ or repetitive, I asked questions and was curious. I just asked why they asked that question, or the reason behind the question. It helps me get to the root of the problem while staying very ca and contained. My frustration counter remains at 3 this week.
Day 4: I was doing so well that day till I lost my calm at the VERY end of the day. I still think I am being very conscious and doing great! I have kept calm and collected, and I am really enjoying this.
FRUSTRATION COUNTER: 4
Day 1: Despite intention, I found myself letting the anxiety of others impact my sense of calm. Tomorrow I will practice deep breathing when/if outside influences or negative thoughts surface.
Day 1: Today was a calm day for me. I havenβt felt sped up at all. Although, as the day is ending, I am trying to keep my mind from filling with βwhat ifβ thoughts. βWhat if I just accepted that basketball is over for me?β Or βwhat if just went the other way?β .. Thatβs the toughest part for me.
Day 2: I realized I missed A day but I was home for the weekend and felt like I didnt have enough time to see or make everyone happy. When Iβm home, I really just want to relax. So itβs frustrating when people come at you with a thousand errands and now theyβre rushing you.
Day 3: Today started off well. 7am field workout went well. Now, Iβm trying to stay calm as I approach these two exams in a few hours. Iβm feeling somewhat unprepared because Iβve been slacking but Iβma thug it out lol
Day 4: Tuesday was a solid day for me. No classes so I got to relax and take my time with homework. Also spent some time in the gym.
Day 5: Wednesdays are my busiest days so I try take it one step at a time. Fully focus on my current task and recoup after. Then I prepare for the next task. Overall, I feel like I handled it well.
Day 6: thursday was a good day. I was in a healthy space mentally. I was In the gym twice that day which is beautiful lol
I just had this conversation with my son yesterday about how to control his anger, during our discussion I really that I have to control me anger issues also because he is watching so we came up with a plan to count from 10-0 while taking a deep breath in and out
My intention is to be more patient with myself and others as the process unfolds. Throughout the process maintain consistency and joy.
Missed Day 1 and 2.
Day 3: I am really really sad to hv missed this wonderful and important 7 day task of practicing calm.
I really needed this past 2 days as I lost my cool and was so disturbed with my daughter.
I hope I can join today to complete the rest of the days.
I am getting back into control of myself by becoming aware of my ego that led me to anger and hurt. I am reminding myself that I am Love. I have to be persistent.
Day 4:
I did loose my cool couple times today but I stayed away from the situation, reminded myself that I am love, which is helping me stay calm and not react. I am being mindful of my thoughts and actions. Finally can give few points to myself end of the day ππ
Day 5: yesterday was a really good day for me. Didnt get upset or angry even once. I infact got a chance to share my thoughts and feelings and it helped me to become more calmer. God comes in disguise to help π
My intention is to be at peace with the most significant people in my life. To be grateful for each of them. To express love to them, be patient with the difficult encounters. To become untriggable.
Day 1- The day was off to a difficult start. I was challenged at the beginning of the day by the first two significant people I encountered. While I was calm on the outside I was not at peace on the inside. I stayed engaged in the conversation until I calm down on my insides. I reminded myself how grateful I am for these two people in my life. I have lots of work to do.
Day 2 – today got off to a good start. Early, 6;30am, my husband said something to me I didn’t like. Instead of responding out of my emotions I calmed myself, decided that was not the best time to have the conversation. Less than an hour later he asked me a question that gave me an opportunity to share the impact of his earlier comment. I am getting the hang of staying calm.
Thanks for sharing Denise! I am really happy to hear that you let yourself calm down before addressing what was bothering you. This is definitely something I can work on!
Day 3 – A friend challenged me to look at any harmful ways I may be communicating, especially with my love ones. I am learning to listen more especially to myself. I’m appreciating those around me more.
That sounds like a great friend. We could all use someone like that in our lives.