Since one of my yoga teachers admonished us to become aware of the tension in our jaw muscles, I have been continually amazed at how often these muscles are tense. I’ll be reading a book, or even lying in bed, and all of a sudden I realize the tension. As I intentionally release these muscles, I can almost physically feel the weight coming “off my shoulders.”

I have known for some time that I like to be in control of situations. What I have been realizing more recently is just how much I like to control situations (and people). I am currently experiencing a situation over which I have been trying to exercise control, but given the nature of the situation, that simply isn’t possible. And frankly, it has been pissing me off.

Letting go of our desires and compulsions to exercise control over our environment is something that meditation and yoga have helped me with greatly. I don’t practice yoga as consistently as meditation, so I’ll only speak of the latter.

In meditation, whenever thoughts arise in our consciousness, we’re encouraged to let them go. We don’t try to control, analyze, or manipulate them — we just let them float on by. We do this by returning to our breath. Our breath is the tool that will lead us out of the chaos and into the calm. And the cool thing is — it’s always available.

We don’t have to be religious to meditate. But taken some time out of our day — just 10–20 minutes — can greatly affect of minds, and how we relate to and deal with psychological distress.

So if you’re currently going through life, experiencing little to no stress or tension, or if you’re not really concerned with such esoteric mumbo jumbo, then meditation may not be for you. But if are desiring inner freedom and spaciousness, a feeling of peace and calm even in the midst of chaotic circumstances, then give meditation a try.

And remember, don’t judge yourself. There is no such thing as good or bad. Just set your timer and sit.