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Simple Ways Bring
When we get intentional about creating a calm home environment, we can better cope with the upheaval going on in the world. From the global devastation of COVID-19 to natural disasters and political division, the world is reeling with chaos. No wonder waves of fear, pain, and uncertainty infiltrate our thoughts and emotions. "We're witnessing the most disease the world has seen in our lifetimes," says Karen McGregor, author of The Tao of Influence: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leaders and Entrepreneurs. “As individuals, we can’t be untouched by what we’re seeing and hearing and imagining. What we can do is make our home a haven from the worst of the chaos.” If we weren't impacted by the suffering caused the pandemic, racial injustices
Building those habits involves paying attention to your thoughts and emotions and getting intentional about your daily routines. Here are four tips to help you create a calmer home:
1.
Start the day with a calming morning routine. Do you wake up a little early so you can enjoy some relaxing time to yourself? Or do you sleep as late as possible and then rush to get everything together for your family or work obligations? Try setting your alarm a half hour earlier (which may mean getting to bed earlier as well). In this bonus time, you can journal, sip a cup of coffee, pray, or meditate.
2.
Decide what a “calm home” means to you, then express it through your surroundings. Is it happy, fun, joyful, out-of-the-box, connected, or something else? Find ways to start bringing that feeling into reality. “For me, a calm, peaceful home means I have lots of windows to let in the light, white walls, and no clutter,” says McGregor. “I intentionally don’t own a lot of stuff.”
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Do some spring cleaning. A messy space contributes to a disorganized and chaotic mind. But if you can take small steps toward establishing stillness on the outside, such as straightening or organizing your home, you can experience more internal peace, wellness, and harmony within.
4.
Fully feel your emotions. Your thoughts and emotions are meant to move through you like a wave that arrives and then dissipates, says McGregor. After you completely feel them, replace them with empowering thoughts that generate peace. For example: I am so thankful for the opportunity to practice letting go of this situation.
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Calm into Your Home
(When the World is Full of Chaos)
and political strife, we’d hardly be human. Speaking out and taking action to create a better world is a healthful and productive response. But dwelling on fearful, negative, stressful thoughts and images isn’t. Not only does it make you miserable, it weakens your immune system, says McGregor. This is why bringing calm into your home is so important. When you take the steps needed to create a calmer home, you lead by example. You teach family members how to rise above stress and anxiety. This is what being a positive influencer (the central message of The Tao of Influence) is all about. “When you do the work needed to overcome your power patterns, you build spiritual habits that create an inner sense of calm,” notes McGregor. "That sense of calm will naturally permeate your home and impact the way your family experiences daily life.”
“Every time you are grateful and accept a situation, it calms your mind, thereby calming your body, impacting those around you and the energy of your home,” says McGregor. “It may be a mad world outside of your home, but choosing what you allow inside your living space is a radical act of love and empowerment for you and your family,” concludes McGregor. “Make your environment a place of nurture and safety, and you will feel more grounded and in control, even in these troubled times. And you’ll influence your family in a positive and meaningful way.” Karen McGregor is the author of The Tao of Influence: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leaders and Entrepreneurs (Mango, September 2020, ISBN: 978-1-64250-275-6, $24.95; available for preorder at www.karenmcgregor.com.
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