Our planet has become a more unpredictable place in recent years.
It can be easy to lose yourself in anxiety about climate change, economic decline, wars, and the threat to our liberal democracies in the West.
Ditching our outdated habits such as mindless consumption is vital, so we can adapt and thrive in our changing world.
We may become poorer in the process. We may own less stuff.
We may have to wake up from the snooze of complacency and stand up to protect our freedoms and the environment.
But there are so many distractions that keep people trapped in denial and a skewed reality, forever immersed in their virtual world looking for those dopamine hits, that it seems hard to see humanity overcoming all these epic challenges in time to avoid the worst case scenarios.
But here we are, and despite everything, we still want to make the most of our lives amidst the upheaval that is swirling around us.
Many people feel anxious because they realize they have little or no control over what is happening in the world, so one of the best ways to create calm is to focus on what you can control.
And yes, you can even control how you feel about something. You can decide right now that you are happy, that despite uncertainties or setbacks you are quite content in this very moment.
While we often cannot control what happens to us, remember that you can always choose how you respond.
Here are 10 ways to create calm in a crazy world that empower and help you feel more in control:
1. Create nice moments for yourself every day
No need to do anything grand or fanciful. It doesn’t need to cost any money.
2. Find magic in the ordinary
Consciously observe your surroundings. What gives you pleasure? What makes you feel content? What are you grateful for?
There is beauty, magic and bliss in the everyday mundane.
3. Work, rest, and play in equal measures
If you are working hard, then you're doing something wrong. You are entitled to breaks, rest days and holidays. Make good use of them.
The toxic "hard-working" work culture is slowly changing for the better. I think Gen Z is on to something 😃
4. Embrace uncertainty
Our sense of stability and security can be shaken at any moment. There is no happiness without sadness. Sometimes it's just not going our way.
Acceptance that the good life is fragile helps us better manage our worries and fears and live more fully.
5. Change your perspective
We can be stuck with habits for many years before we realize that they are no longer serving us well.
While some people are stuck in constant denial, what would happen if they dared to change their perception?
Where in your life could you change your perspective, perhaps about the work you do, the food you eat, or how you relate to others? What can you do differently?
After a lifetime of drinking my obligatory pot of coffee in the morning, I have switched to green tea. Just like that.
Making some tiny but radical changes can make you feel like new and being in charge of your life.
6. Keep an open mind
You think you are right, but also consider that you may be wrong.
Be curious. Listen to other people's viewpoints without judgement or prejudice.
Consider all options. Do your research and keep learning.
7. Avoid narratives of fear
Scrupulous politicians and other influencers don't hesitate to polarise the masses by spreading fear and hatred about minorities, institutions, communities and even whole countries.
These people never talk about solutions that promote peaceful coexistence. Their solutions are all based on segregation, prejudice and isolation.
Getting sucked into their propaganda creates deep divisions in society that are impossible to heal unless people happen to see sense and kick them into oblivion.
Instead, research and debate positive solutions that are based on compassion rather than division and aggression.
8. Be more tolerant
Successful interaction with others is built on mutual tolerance, be it at home, work, or elsewhere. Be mindful of how judgemental and opinionated you can be, not just towards strangers but also loved ones, family members, work colleagues and friends.
Take a deep breath and let people be as imperfect as you are. Don’t let the little things wind you up.
9. Put your phone away
Yes, you've heard it all a hundred times before, but so many people still don't get it.
While our phones are great tools for staying in touch and accessing information at any time, the negative aspects include lack of focus, shorter attention spans, addiction, and sleep disturbance.
10. Read more novels
Fiction is not just a great way to escape reality for a while, it has a multitude of other benefits that help you calm your mind.
Reading or listening to fiction can be a healing experience.
Diving into fictional worlds, characters and their lives encourages readers to imagine their own lives from a different angle, pondering possibilities and solutions to apply in the real world.
Reading novels can calm your mind by reducing stress, aiding sleep, and alleviating depression.
Check out my recommendations that have the power to create transformative mindshifts.
⭐What are your favourite ways to create calm in a crazy world? Please do let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you💚
✨NEWS & INSPO✨
🍂Autumn is on its way yet again, so I have compiled a list of my favourite seasonal tarot and journaling resources on my website. Don’t miss my popular Equinox Divination Game🤩
🍁Grab the Autumn Divination Kit with a 20% discount code as a Patreon member. Membership starts from only $1.11, and currently, you will only be charged once as I have paused the monthly billing cycle.
🍂A fascinating podcast perfect for the autumn season is Witch on BBC Sounds. As always with the BBC, this is a well-produced and insightful documentary about the history of witchcraft and how it is practiced today.
Every Day is a New Adventure - an old blog post in my archives that inspired this newsletter, but it also includes a wonderful tarot spread. Please do check it out and pick up your deck for a magical mindful moment.
New additions to my pre-loved tarot deck selection in my UK shop are in. Buying second-hand is not only cheaper but also more sustainable🌼
Follow me on Medium, where I write about my minimalist journey, if this is a topic that interests you🙏
Until next time,