Emotions erupt and react like volcanoes, the eyes become dizzy with mountains of information and the head feels like a rollercoaster. This is stress. The mind needs to come up for air, to leave the jungle of pressure, deadlines and speed and slow down and find the point of silence within.

Meditation is the method to find that point within which recharges the mind with peace, clarity and balance. It is like a compass needle that guides us in the right direction at the right time.

I think if you exercise, your state of mind – my state of mind – is usually more at ease, ready for more mental challenges. Once I get the physical stuff out of the way it always seems like I have more calmness and better self-esteem. – Stone Gossard

How do I set myself calm:

I relax…

I release all tensions…

I create a space of silence…

I move towards my inner self, letting my thoughts gradually focus on the experience of peace…

For a few moments I reflect on all the things that affect me, that have a negative influence on me, the people, the situations; everything that stops me from achieving a state of inner freedom…

Around me I visualize a luminous circle (circle of light); there is a great power of silence…

I feel protected inside this circle of subtle spiritual power…

Nothing can take away my positivity, my inner peace, my strength and wisdom…

I can be free to think and feel what I choose. Internally I am free. I am not at the mercy of anyone or any situation…

Of course, action is a necessity, an expression of ourselves through time, relationships and the roles we play. However, if we do not sometimes stop and take a breath of silence, then the mind begins to suffocate, thoughts speed like bullet trains and the brain feels as if it is in a pressure cooker. Calmness diffuses all the pressures and brings an aura in your persona.