The story goes something like this: when there’s a storm, the sea gets very rough and if everyone panics on the boat, the chances of surviving is very slim. But if one person on the boat is able to remain calm and still and not reacting to the panic, then everyone on the boat will survive. I heard this story from the Vietnamese spiritual leader Thich Nhat Hanh. Here he reminds us of the importance of remaining calm in a storm. The storm can also be a metaphor for what is happening right now in the world.
How do you remain calm in a storm? It can be a daunting task indeed. But the key is to go deep within ourselves. How do you go deep within? By being present, very present. Many great spiritual teachers have spoken about the importance of being present and finding the stillness within ourselves. It is one true power we all have access to, right now at this moment. It doesn’t cost anything nor does it require one to make an effort. It is available to everyone right now. Then how to you access this presence?
There are many ways one can access presence, whether it’s mental practices such as meditation or physical practices such as yoga, presence can be accessed in many different ways. But essentially, it is about being very alert and highly aware of what’s going on in and around us. This also means in those moments we are not thinking or being caught up by thoughts. Our thoughts can be a great hindrance to finding that inner stillness. It may require some practice to become present. The more we can be present, the better it is. Or, if you can, every moment of the day. But just by simply being aware of the concept of being present is already a great first step.
I have benefited from being present for many years now. Not only has it made me more peaceful and calm, it has also allowed me to abandon the idea that our thoughts are the solution to everything. I used to be a very analytical person and I have relied a great deal on thinking things through. While there is a time and place for thinking, spirituality has taught me that thinking alone will not make you happy, quite the contrary to be honest.
No matter what’s happening in the world right now, we must first and foremost find presence within ourselves and then take the required action. Only if we become present first, can we then take the right course of action. Be that person on the boat.