When someone asks us, ‘how are you?’ we usually answer ‘no problem, I’m okay. But the truth is that it is not a completely happy and satisfying answer. That is to say, we have no shortage of happiness, but a little less due to some pressure, which is what drives us to such an answer here. It is the stresses of life that create this emptiness.
A nineteenth-century Carmelite nun Sister Mary Eimy’s book, The Twelve Degrees of Silence, describes how to deal with stress. Through this book, the author intended to help people to know God better and to achieve inner silence. The contents of this book will enable us to cope with our daily grind and stress. Only when we are free from excess pressure can we achieve lasting inner peace. Here are some guidelines:
1. The Silence of Words
We are immersed in communication every day. For example, texting. Do we need all the texts you send, or can we free our thoughts a little by cutting out some things? Then do not use words unnecessarily.
2. Silence of Movements / Activities
Do you gesture unnecessarily or make multiple gestures with your hands or head? Then we need to mute our movements a little more. Avoid unnecessary gestures.
3. Silence of Filming
Do you spend a lot of time during the day thinking about your future? Wondering what to do tomorrow, or what to do when you get home tonight, or what to cook for lunch? Regardless of how far you look to the future, it is best to focus on the present moment to cultivate inner peace.
4. Silence in Memory
When you have bad memories, it’s harmful to spend a lot of time thinking and lamenting about it. Stop traveling from time to time to the bitter, bad memories of life.
5. Silence to People / Situations
Certain individuals or circumstances may cause us to lose our spirituality and peace. So try to get out of such situations and live without stress.
6. Emotions
We need to know how to handle emotions in a balanced way. Whatever the particular emotion, anger, sadness, or love, it will no doubt destroy every aspect of the peace it can bring to you. When you are overwhelmed by emotions, you may not be able to do what you want to do every moment.
Sunisha V. F.