If you are anything like me, sitting, standing, or lying down, life is often like a tree swaying back and forth in the wind.

“When the storm of your emotion is passing by,” writes Thich Nhat Hanh,” you should not stay in the thick of the storm, the level of the brain and the chest. When you are overwhelmed by strong emotions, don’t stay there – it’s dangerous. Bring your focus down to your navel – the trunk,  the most solid part of yourself – and practice mindful breathing. Become aware of the rise and fall of your abdomen. Doing this in a stable position, such as sitting, makes you feel much better. Just breath. Don’t think of anything. Breathe through the moment, the rise and fall of your abdomen. Practice in this way for ten or fifteen minutes, and the strong emotion will pass on through.”  – Thich Nhat, Hanh, Fear.

This has worked for me for several months. The more I do it, the more it works. I can put this advice to good use this year rather than joining the fray and permitting it to take over my emotions. I won’t let that happen again. If your mind wanders or you can’t control your thoughts, close your eyes and listen carefully to your breathing and how it feels. I think I can use this this year and at this time.