Not Just What but How

Today, a client shared something lovely with me. They mentioned feeling at ease in my presence and credited my voice for this sense of calm. It was a sweet observation, especially since I hadn’t been doing anything special, just speaking a bit more slowly—something I picked up from George Pransky. He speaks slowly to invite people into a calm space rather than trying to match their energy. It turns out that this simple approach helped my client slow down their thoughts, too, revealing the calm that’s always waiting beneath the surface. It’s incredible how we’re just one thought away from finding peace.

When caught in a storm of negative thoughts (low-mood thinking), looking for a quick fix often leads nowhere. There’s no magic formula to chase away worry because the turmoil is all in our minds. But if we let those storms pass without adding to them, focusing instead on the calm that follows and is always just below the surface of the storm, we’ll find relief. It’s about not fighting the storm but seeking the calm.

How do we tap into this calm space that is ALWAYS present just below the roiling surface of our thinking? It starts with paying attention to how we think, not just what we think about. If your thoughts are racing, take a moment to pause and observe them. This pause isn’t about doing anything but understanding and seeing how your mind is working in the moment. By simply observing, you’ll likely find your thoughts settling down naturally. We can watch the thought storm pass rather than set sail in the middle.

Discovering a sense of balance happens quickly. When you feel calm, you help yourself and also have a positive effect on others. Just like someone who is anxious can influence the mood of a group, your calmness can help others feel better. Think about how it would be if you spread this feeling of peace to your colleagues, clients, and partners. You would all have a more peaceful experience where everyone is clear-headed and calm. Give it a try and share what you find out.