Finding the calm after the storm (Originally published on SouthFlorida Magazine)

Posted on December 01, 2017 by Sabrina Powell, One of Thousands of Health and Fitness Coaches on Noomii.

We all know the saying “the calm before the storm”, but we should all find the calm after the storm within us, which sometimes is not an easy task.

We have just witnessed a catastrophic storm. Hurricane Irma, which for a while had the advisories indicating its eye right over the east coast of our dear south Florida (Miami-Dade and Broward County), ended up changing its course two days prior to hitting us. It moved over to the west coast, devastating more that area instead. Hurricane, rain, surge, wind and tornados. One way or another, we were all affected by it.

For nearly a week, we were advised about a storm that was forming. We were oriented about the hurricane’s path, in what proportions it would affect us and how we should prepare. So everyone did what they could – protected their houses, covered their windows, bought water, supplies and gasoline. Some travelled out of state; others locked themselves inside their homes to wait for the storm to pass. And it did. Because the storm always passes. And then comes the calm again. With the calm, also comes the undescribing sensation of gratitude for surviving the storm, intact or not.

Although there might be damage, broken trees, blown off roofs and traces from what happened, the sun shines again. And inspired by this gratitude comes the urge to organize the mess that was left, to rebuild and help out the community. This strength is moved by the consciousness of being alive and never giving up.

There will always be catastrophes – natural and personal ones. Health problems, relationships, or financial crisis. We cannot avoid crisis. What we can do is control how we react to them, how we prepare, how we face the crisis and what we do when it is over.

How to find the calm after the storm? By searching within yourself for that sense of gratitude and becoming aware that as bad as it was, there is always something good left. Whatever is left. The fact that we are alive is a good start. Having the most valuable things we own – our health, family, friends, shelter, nourishment, safety. Which are the basics to live, and often taken for granted.

When you focus on this feeling of gratitude – that can be a great focus for meditating for example, or to bring yourself to calm down when under stress – the ideal is starting from micro and moving to macro. What comes to your mind if you pause right now and think about what you are grateful for?

The fact that you’re alive, or being able to breath, your digestive system and all organs functioning in harmony, being able to walk, having your vision that allows you to see a beautiful day after a storm, or the fact that a loved one survived an illness or accident? Focus on these small doses of gratitude and they will provide you with a dominating sensation of well-being. The list of reasons to be thankful for just gets longer and your strength to go on grows with it.
When we put ourselves on gratitude mode, we focus on seeing the good side of things, or at least whatever good is left, as bad as the situation can be. We are taken by a feeling of hope, goodness and peace. This peace brings calmness. The calm after the storm.

Search for this calmness inside of you. No matter what kind of storm you are going through, calm will come with it. Focus on the good and it will multiply. Be grateful for the good and your rewards will show up naturally. You will attract more good things for yourself: more health, more love, more abundance, and more reasons to smile.

This is what happens – when you put yourself in this vibration of gratitude, you are overwhelmed by more and more reasons to be grateful for, and when you least expect you are smiling. If you try this while going on a walk, you may find yourself smiling and greeting people as they pass by. And this is all wonderful, since this sensation is contagious and doesn’t run out, it doesn’t go to waste. Good energy only increases. Concentrate on the good and it will come back to you. Put yourself into a pleasant situation, you have this power and must choose to feel good.

Do not focus on the storm. Was it hard? Yes it was. However, you survived it, bravely. There is no reason to live in the past, with these bad memories that will only hurt you.

Remembering, feeling sorry, crying, it is all part of it. But even this shall pass. Even this has its right moment. The emotions related to suffering must be lived, but they do not need to be carried on. Feel them, be conscious of everything that passed and move on. Avoid sitting there watching the damages caused by the storm. Focus on your future, on the bright side. Take advantage of the sunshine, roll up your sleeves and organize the mess and your focus. Find peace within yourself and learn how to admire what is good. No matter how bad the situation is, remember that the sun always shines again after a storm and eventually the calm will surge, because it is already inside of you.

Wishing you an abundance of calmness and well-being,

Sabrina Powell
Founder of Movimento Wellness,
Health & Wellness Coach and Pilates Instructor
coach@movimentowellness.com
movimentowellness.com