5 Ways to Stay Positive and Centered During Stressful Times

In today's world, personal challenges, global events, political events, and the normal daily grind seem to come together into a perfect little storm. Staying centered can feel like a huge task (yes, even for us!). But it's the most life raft you can learn to build for yourself in order to weather the storms. With practice makes perfect

Drawing from our collective experiences, guest stories, and guidance over the years from our Shamans, Facilitators, and Medicine Guides, here are five transformative practices to keep your inner peace intact, even in the midst of life's chaos.

1. Cultivate a Daily Practice: Your Anchor in the Storm

Consistency is your friend in the face of uncertainty. A daily practice — meditation, journaling, mindful movements — can create internal peace while there is external chaos. Like a balancing act. Think of it as your anchor, holding you steady against life's inevitable waves.

After having a very powerful Ayahuasca experience, one of our beloved Alumni recommends a journaling exercise inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's Letter from Love practice:

Start by asking Love for guidance, writing something like, ‘Dear Love, what do I need to know today?' Then respond to yourself from Love's voice. The insights are often unexpectedly transformative.

Pro Tip: Tailor your practice to fit your needs each day. Some Alumni swear by a cold plunge to build mental resilience, while others lean into self-administered rituals like journaling or even rapé or brief moments to express emotions before shifting to gratitude. See what feels right for you and no one else. There is so much in the media we could be listening to, or taking the advice of, just listen to what your heart tells you.

Even with five minutes, begin your day with stillness—free from news, emails, or distractions. Ask yourself: How do I feel? How do I want to feel? How can I bring peace to others today?

2. Develop a Positive Mental Landscape

Our mental spaces can often feel either like sanctuaries or like battlegrounds. Building and nourishing a positive mental landscape is about reclaiming that sanctuary. The practice lies not in bypassing challenges but in consciously choosing which thoughts take root. (Hence the really important aforementioned Pro Tip with refraining from any kind of Media upon waking! It will embed ideas that are not ours.)

One of our Alumni shared an insight of learning patience, particularly with her children:

"If I want to teach patience, I have to embody it. Now, when impatience rises, I pause, breathe, and remind myself they're learning from my example."

Practical Tip: Start small. Jot down three things you're grateful for each day or take a social media detox to minimize external negativity. With practice, even emotions like anger can shift from reactive to constructive.

Think of your mental practice like the gym—it may be tough initially, but the peace and positivity you cultivate are worth the effort.

3. Build Resilience Through Connection

Storms feel less daunting when faced together. Surround yourself with a community that uplifts and supports your growth. Connection isn't just about others seeing you—it's about feeling fully authentic in their presence.

"Some friendships couldn't grow with me. I realized I needed spaces where I could be fully seen. The sharing circles on retreat inspired me to create that space in my life."

Pro Tip: If such spaces don't exist in your life, consider creating them. Whether through a small gathering or an online community, fostering genuine connections anchors us to collective strength and compassion.

4. Act with Intention, Not Reaction

Act with Intention, Not Reaction

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Family gatherings, divisive headlines, or workplace stress can easily provoke reactive emotions. But staying centered means responding with intention, rooted in compassion and alignment.

Practical Exercise: Before reacting, pause and ask, "What's the most compassionate action I can take right now?"

One of our Plant Medicine Retreat Facilitators shared a powerful pre-interaction meditation practice:

"I empty myself of personal emotions and stories before engaging. It allows me to show up authentically and approach others with clarity and grace."

Remember, perfection isn't the goal. If you slip up, reflect and move forward. Every moment is an opportunity to learn.
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5. Embrace the Storm as a Teacher

Storms, though unsettling, often hold the greatest lessons. They reveal our resilience, highlight areas for growth, and deepen our trust in the journey.

One participant shared, "Looking back, the moments I resisted most were the ones that shaped me profoundly. The storm wasn't against me—it was guiding me."

The next time life feels chaotic, lean into these practices and trust that the storm is shaping you into someone stronger, wiser, and more at peace.

By integrating these practices into your life, you build a sturdy foundation.

Ready to take your inner connection to the next level and explore the healing power of plant medicine?

Join us at Behold Retreats, where transformation meets community, and the storms of life become opportunities for growth. Together, we navigate the path to resilience and peace. 🙂

These resources can provide additional insights, practices, and tools:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation:
   
   • Mindful: A comprehensive resource for mindfulness practices, articles, and guided meditations to help readers cultivate awareness and presence.
2. Emotional Intelligence and Resilience:
   • Greater Good Science Center: Offers research-based resources on emotional intelligence, resilience, and well-being, including articles and tools for fostering connection and compassion.
3. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery:
   • Tiny Buddha: A platform that shares stories and wisdom on mindfulness, personal growth, and self-acceptance, helping readers navigate their internal landscapes.
4. Community and Connection:
   • Meetup: A site for finding local groups and events that promote connection and community engagement, allowing readers to seek out diverse perspectives and support.
5. Self-Reflection and Journaling:
   • The Bullet Journal: A popular system for journaling and organization that encourages self-reflection and mindfulness, perfect for readers looking to develop a daily practice.
6. Healthy Boundaries:
   • Psychology Today: Setting Boundaries: Offers articles and insights on how to set healthy boundaries in relationships, an essential tool for staying centered during turbulent times.
7. Positive Thinking and Mindset:
   • Positive Psychology: A resource for tools and exercises to cultivate a positive mindset and improve mental well-being, supporting the development of a positive inner landscape.
8. Gratitude Practices:
   • The Gratitude Project: A platform dedicated to the practice of gratitude, offering tips, journaling prompts, and community support to help readers incorporate gratitude into their daily lives.
9. Personal Stories and Inspiration:
   • Brene Brown: Renowned for her work on vulnerability and courage, her website includes resources, podcasts, and articles that inspire resilience and connection.
10. Coping with Anxiety:
    • Anxiety and Depression Association of America: A resource for understanding anxiety and depression, providing tools and strategies for coping and managing emotional well-being.
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In the face of life’s challenges, cultivating an optimistic outlook is more than a mindset—it's a powerful tool for navigating uncertain times. By also integrating practices like journaling, mindfulness, and positive self-talk, you can reframe negative emotions and embrace the positive aspects of your life, fostering both mental and physical well-being.

Remember, positive thinking doesn’t mean ignoring difficulties. It’s about choosing to see the silver lining, appreciating the good, and creating space for hopeful and optimistic outcomes. Whether it’s through keeping a gratitude journal or surrounding yourself with positive people, you can shift your perspective to reduce stress, boost your mood, and even improve your immune function.

As the Mayo Clinic highlights, optimistic people tend to live longer, experience fewer cases of cardiovascular disease, and maintain a healthier diet—proof that the power of positive thinking extends far beyond the mind. Even in difficult times, you can develop habits like deep breaths, spending time with friends, and focusing on the present moment to enhance your overall health and well-being.

Life’s storms will come, but your choice to practice positive thinking can help you stay grounded and see challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether your cup feels half-full or half-empty, your perspective shapes your experience. So, write down three things you are grateful for each day, embrace good vibes, and focus on the positive outcomes that your affirmation-filled self-talk can bring.

As you work toward a fulfilled life, let these practices be your guide. Ready to deepen your journey and transform your outlook? At Behold Retreats, we offer a community and resources to help you uncover the many benefits of optimism and live your dreams. Take a moment to check your inbox—or better yet, step away from it—and create a space where positivity thrives. Together, we can reframe life's storms into opportunities to thrive.