Calm in the Chaos
This weeks offerings 01.28.25
Hi Friends,
How have you been this last week? How are you holding up in the world?
Today I have a legit feeling of “how can it possibly still be January?” The last 7 days have felt like a month. But at the same time, kind of flew by because I was getting ready to leave Italy and after three months, I was settled in. So, the last week was a lot of seeing the friends I’ve made here, going to my favorites for coffee and cornettos, stocking up on chocolate (best chocolate in Italy in Turin) tidying and packing.
One of the things I am personally very grateful for the last week is that being in Italy in January, especially Turin, where people conversing in English is slim anyway, there is less than a 1% chance of me overhearing conversations about the [dumpster fire] US. Yes. Thankful for that as the minimal news I’ve allowed myself (which, to be honest, is more than it should be) has been grim and stressful.
Traveling and moving does not stress me out. Even with my persistent dizziness (which is not spinning dizziness but more of a feeling like I’m on a boat, swaying or rocking, and/or lightheadedness) I feel confident in my abilities to move in the world and while I will miss Italy, I am always delighted to be exploring a new place. More on that place will be coming soon as I get settled in.
I found my travel day this past Saturday to be very easy, especially my flight from Italy to the UK. I had no one else in my row on the plane, which is a seriously auspicious gift these days. There were stunningly beautiful views of the French Alps from the plane (see below) and the flight was quick and efficient. I did a meditation during the flight that gave me a deep sense of calm and it made the flight “fly by”. We were landing before I knew it.
When I arrived in the UK I had to get a 2-hour(ish) train to my destination and that’s where I got a bit backed up. My train kept getting cancelled or delayed and I was trying to find solutions but the situation wasn’t making me stressed. The more I have traveled the more I have “let go” of what I cannot control. After the second cancellation, and 2 delays posted to the schedule screen, I was trying to find solutions and was blessed by asking the exact right person (a station attendant) who came up with an immediate solution for me (where I had 8 minutes to make an alternate train, juggling my suitcase and shoulder bag). I then had a very comfy train ride through the British countryside, with a row to myself and charming views to enjoy. I now have a few days in an [excellent] airbnb until I settle into my permanent home for the next 7 weeks and this spot is SO GOOD. I will share more on this magical location in a future, dedicated post.
The more I implement my (growing) “tool box” of calming practices, the more I appreciate my surroundings, no matter the circumstances, and for that I am increasingly grateful.
Here are 4 things to give a go this week for your bit of calm:
Bedtime Hygiene Practice: I know this is not a new concept but it is something I have only given serious thought to since going through my “high alert” anxiety filled last several months. Now, having a bed-time hygiene practice has changed my sleep game. And good sleep is so restorative for me. I’m grateful for it. Here are my rules/practices:
No electronics for 1 hour (minimum) before bed. Which means no social media; podcasts; shows; etc.
Absolutely NO laptop or shows/movies in the bedroom. If I want to watch something it has be in a separate room.
15-minute yoga stretch evening wind down. This has been a game changer for me. I can’t believe I haven’t been doing this before now.
Read for an hour (in bed)
2. 10% Happier Podcast - specifically this episode - ‘The Science of Walking: The Benefits of Walking in Nature, Walking Meetings, and Walking Meditation”
I am a big podcast person. I love a good interview or movie review podcast to listen to while traveling or to have on instead of watching a show. I definitely have my favorites and am going to be sharing them here (I have a big list) but this weeks recommend is fairly new to me: as of just last week! I think this podcast episode is absolutely perfect to share here for Calm in the Chaos this week. A quick, digestible 36 minutes and packed with goodness.
3. Evening pre-bed yoga - as mentioned above - 15 minutes to set your body up for sleep with stretch and deep relaxation. Here is the link to the free YouTube video.
4. This Book: ‘Don’t Believe Everything You Think’ by Joseph Nguyen
This book helped me so much with my anxiety. I keep returning to it and have many passages highlighted that I will be sharing for this column. When I first read it I was struck by the simplicity, and the power, of the practices. I will be returning to this over and over.
Here are two passages for your consideration this week:
“Look beyond the words. Truth comes in the form of a feeling. Look for that feeling. From that feeling will come the wisdom you seek, which will set you free. And that’s what we’re all ultimately seeking, isn’t it?”
“This book may seem simple. In fact, the solutions I propose may seem almost too simple, and your mind (ego) may try to fight them or attempt to make them complex. When that time comes, I want you to remember the truth is always simple.”
“If you want to find the truth, look for simplicity.”
Do let me know if you try any of these and how you go. Or share what is working for you right now. I would love to know.
Thanks so much for being here and for reading.
Take good care, my friends.
I don't listen to or read any news after lunch, and that has been a key to more relaxing evenings. I'm also pretty much with you on the screen time before bed. I would love to read an hour in bed, but usually fall asleep way before!