大象传媒

With frantic festivities just around the corner, to-do lists as long as your leg that just keep getting longer, and political uncertainty and election mayhem looming, you might feel like you’re struggling to stay calm and centred.

Thankfully, we’re on hand to help. Here are thirteen wise sayings from around the world – old and new – to help you unwind, deflate and breathe easy.

1. Many a calm river begins as a turbulent waterfall, yet none hurtles and foams all the way to the sea

Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov reminds us that although things might seem tumultuous now, it won’t be that way forever. The turbulence of a river fades as it flows, and many of life’s troubles will lessen as they take their natural course.

2. Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt

Saint Francis of Assisi was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon and preacher. A wise man, he’s one to listen to. Focus on peace and practise a spot of meditation and there won’t be much room left for anxiety and worries.

3. The fruit of silence is tranquillity

An Arabian proverb. To achieve a state of calm and tranquillity, simply seek out some silence.

4. Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity

It’s easy to bury yourself in work; to fixate on achieving targets and people pleasing. But as ancient Chinese philosopher and writer Lao Tzu suggests, the path to serenity could be getting your work done and then getting some distance. Forget waiting for feedback and focus on yourself.

5. In your calm is your strength

We associate getting fired up, angry and forceful as signs of strength but, as this German proverb states, there is true strength in staying measured and calm.

6. Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts

This saying from the ancient Native American Hopi tribe (the “peaceful ones”) reminds us that it’s OK to let our feelings show, and that having a good old cry when we’re worried or upset can help us feel calmer and happier. Let it all out!

7. Retain a calm heart, sit like a turtle, walk swiftly like a pigeon, and sleep like a dog

It might just be worth trying out these suggestions from Chinese herbalist and martial artist Li Ching-Yuen. Although his true date of birth was never established, he claimed to be 197 years old when he died in 1933. The 'calm heart' must have worked for him!

8. Learn to be calm and you will always be happy

We can’t verify whether this claim from the Indian monk, yogi and guru Paramahansa Yogananda is true – but if perpetual happiness is the prize then it’s worth a crack.

11. Those who act with few desires are calm, without worry or fear

Another one from Buddha. (He was pretty good at this after all.) Try not to focus on the things you want, but instead free yourself of unnecessary desires. Feeling calmer?

12. He who is of calm and happy nature will hardly feel the pressure of age

According to the Ancient Greek philosopher Plato, being a calm and happy person will keep you feeling young. Now if that’s not an incentive...

13. May you have warmth in your igloo, oil in your lamp, and peace in your heart

An Inuit proverb. A warm place to live, light, and a sense of peace and wellbeing – what more could you ask for?