In the first episode of Designated Survivor, Kiefer Sutherland is sworn in as president after a devastating attack that wipes out the entire government. In his first meeting in the Oval Office, everyone is talking, pushing their ideas and agendas. He finds this overwhelming and seeks refuge in an empty room -he needs some alone time to gather his thoughts. Obviously our day to day lives are not so dramatic, but modern life can become overwhelming. Information is launched at us at every turn- advertisements, social media, public announcement systems, work, even the well meaning opinions of our nearest and dearest. This can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed.
When we feel overwhelmed our judgment suffers. We may feel fatigued, our blood pressure goes up. We become more reactionary. So we are controlled by the environment, by the accumulation of outside factors. What we really need to build into our lives, our days, is quiet time in solitude. This does not mean that we must walk to the top of a lonely mountain peak to forsake our relationships and the trappings of modernity. It might mean a half hour walk in the park. Or a lie down in a quiet room. But an effective practice is meditation. This can be practiced anywhere. It is not necessarily the absence of outside noise, but our decision, whilst meditating to focus on our own breath. This is simple and helps clear the mind.
It is remarkable how a little time out in the day to dedicate to oneself can help reframe the urgency of certain tasks. Decisions can be made more clearly and hopefully one will feel an increase in control of emotions, physical wellbeing, and humour.
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