A Little Calm In An Anxious World
While waiting for the subway one day, a young boy and his mother sat down next to me. He was dressed to the nines, but I could see the nervousness in his eyes. Being me, I couldn't help but strike up a conversation.
I asked him where he was headed, and he told me he was on his way to interview for high school. If you live in New York City, you know the enormous pressure young students face to get into the city's top schools.
He had chosen four of the most competitive, and the stakes felt high.
I could see how anxious he was, so I asked him, “Would you like to learn a simple technique to calm your nerves in less than a minute?”
Both he and his mother eagerly said yes.
I shared a simple practice I'd learned through my years of studying stress management, ritual, and spirituality.
It took only a moment, but it gave him something he could carry with him into the interview: a way to settle himself and meet the moment with a little more ease.
When the subway arrived and we got on, both he and his mother seemed noticeably more relaxed.
I continued on my way, feeling grateful for this small encounter and for the reminder that sometimes, the simplest things we share can make a real difference in someone else's life.
We don't always realize how much the wisdom we've gathered along the way can help someone else. A tool that has become second nature to us might be exactly what another person needs in a difficult moment.
And in a world where so many of us are carrying uncertainty, stress, and anxiety, I believe we have a responsibility to share what we've learned.
Not by trying to fix everyone or take away their pain, but by offering a little kindness, a moment of connection, or a practical tool that helps someone find their footing again.
This is one of the reasons I have devoted my life to ritual and spiritual practices. They help us pause, reconnect with ourselves, and remember that even when we can't control what's happening around us, we can learn to change how we meet it.
We can all begin right where we are. Take a breath with someone who is overwhelmed. Offer a kind word. Share a practice that has helped you. Sometimes, a small moment of presence is enough to remind another person that they are not alone.
And don't forget to offer that same kindness to yourself.
A Simple Tool You Can Use Anywhere
I recorded a quick video to show you the simple technique I shared with this young boy. It takes less than a minute, and you can use it whenever you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or need to find your center.
With love,
Barbara