SPIRITUALITY & WELLNESS eye found at the centre . The eye , the focus of the storm , is the point about which the rest of the storm rotates and is where the lowest surface pressures in the storm are found . The eye is calm because the strong surface winds that converge towards the centre never reach it , thereby leaving the centre calm . When a person is in the centre of a storm , he or she may feel relieved and relaxed .
SPIRITUALITY & WELLNESS eye found at the centre . The eye , the focus of the storm , is the point about which the rest of the storm rotates and is where the lowest surface pressures in the storm are found . The eye is calm because the strong surface winds that converge towards the centre never reach it , thereby leaving the centre calm . When a person is in the centre of a storm , he or she may feel relieved and relaxed .
From a spiritual perspective , the storm ’ s eye suggests that there is the possibility for calm as we face the storms of life . Just as the eye of the storm is calm , so too is our deepest spiritual centre , that place of calm that allows for strength and courage to unfold and give us the means to weather the storm . It is only in this spiritual centre that we can remain strong and be confident as a storm rages around us . Here are a few suggestions for remaining in that calm place as the storm rages :
1 . Look within — move to the spiritual centre . Problems threaten us from outside but the solutions reside within . In the midst of a storm it is difficult to believe that we have the ability to endure , but we actually do . People have amazing inner strength that can allow them to remain in that calm place where there is clarity to discern the right solutions .
2 . Strive for acceptance . Weathering the storms of life requires acceptance of the situation in order to avoid impulsive , reactive thoughts and actions . Storms have finite time , and the passage of time provides the possibility of setting things right . To accept that a life storm will pass opens us to the wisdom to embrace it while remaining calm .
3 . Act , do not react . Acting is a positive way of dealing with issues while reacting results in panic and distress that keep peace away .
4 . Take care of yourself mentally and physically . In the throes of a storm , our energy is low and we lack motivation . During these times it is important to take care of one ’ s mental and physical well-being . Health and rest are essential tools to battle stress , change negative thoughts and stay calm .
5 . Life teaches that there is a lesson to learn in the challenges of life even though it can be hard to recognize that lesson at first . As American writer Willa Cather said , “ There are some things you learn best in calm , and some in storm .”
6 . Reach out to others . Being in the service of others encourages calmness because we no longer focus only on our own challenges . Seek out volunteer opportunities or simply find someone who needs your assistance .
In her article “ How Long Does a Storm Last ,” Catherine Pulsifer , author of Wings of Wisdom offers some wise guidance . “ I sat on our swing watching the clouds move in . . . thinking about some of the challenges in our life right now . The dark clouds looked like some of the issues facing us at this time . Then a patch of blue sky appeared in the clouds . . . I smiled as I saw the patches of blue sky ; it focused my thoughts on all the good things that were in our life right now . When you see those patches of blue sky you feel better , your attitude changes , you realize that while there are storms there is also a lot of positive in your life .”
When life ’ s storms toss you on the winds of grief , pain and loss , rest in your spiritual centre of calm . Seek out Pulsifer ’ s ‘ patches of blue ’ and be present to the hope and the peace that they offer your heart and your life . news & views WINTER 2016 | 13