Seven subtle movements that help silence the mind

Tiny but mighty moves I use to reduce anxiety in public.

Rita Kind-Envy
ILLUMINATION

--

The painting depicts a young woman standing inside a shop selling ribbons and dresses. In one hand she holds a wrapped package of newly purchased items. With the other she holds open the door to the store for the viewer to depart. The shop is filled with piles of ribbons. Outside a busy Parisian street scene is visible through the shop windows. A well dressed man stares in through the window and is greeted by the other girl in the shop.
The Shop Girl by James Tissot (1885)

I was riding one of the world’s most beautiful trains along the coast of Spain. The sea, a breathtaking expanse of azure, seemed to flirt with the tracks. You couldn’t even see the beach — only the endless, beautiful waves.

The only problem was, I couldn’t enjoy it.

I was stuck inside my head. Thinking thoughts. The avalanche of inward alertness rushed through me at speeds far greater than any train can go.

I had to read a lot of books to find the 7 small movements that helped me remain still in any situation. Then, I started enjoying things again. Thinking less. Caring less about others’ opinions.

Many here might want to learn how to stay calm in crowds. So here you go. No need to read all those books — it’s all here.

1. Soften the browline

Fear begins in the mind. The first step is to eliminate all tension from your head by consciously relaxing the muscles around your eyes and straightening your brows. Don’t frown. Allow the forehead to smooth out and the mind to clear.

2. Adopt a relaxed pose

--

--

Rita Kind-Envy
ILLUMINATION

I'm a UX writer who mostly writes about writing. Sometimes I write about other things, though.