In our busy, chaotic, frenetic world, it can feel overwhelming to “add one more thing” to our already overflowing plates. But engaging in Harmony doesn’t actually “add one more thing.” It reframes all the other things. The pillar of Harmony acknowledges that part of ourselves we often put last: our spiritual side. This is the side of us that longs for silence, stillness, gentleness, and prayer.

This doesn’t necessarily mean religiosity—it can, if that speaks to you. Prayer can help you slow down, take a moment, and build feelings of connection. More broadly, the pillar of Harmony encourages us to engage with silence. To turn inward. To notice the cool temperature of the air that we breathe as it travels to our lungs. 

Let’s try this out together. Yes, right now. Take just a moment to check in with yourself. On a scale of one to ten—one being the most stressed you’ve ever been in your life and ten being absolute bliss—where would you rate your current stress level? What are some of the factors that might be impacting that rating? Now, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Just notice your breath going into your nose and out of your mouth. Take two or three deep breaths, again, just focusing on your inhale and exhale. When your mind wanders, as it will because that’s what brains do, see if you can simply acknowledge the thought. “Hmm. There goes a thought.” You don’t need to judge it. You don’t need to “fix” it. There is nothing to fix. You just need to breathe, something you have been doing all your life.

One more breath. Now, check in with yourself again. Where are you on that one-to-ten scale?  Often, the number changes. Often, it doesn’t. Both of those are ok. After all, it’s not actually about the number. It’s about noticing, honoring our bodies and our brains for doing something they do automatically. It’s about reminding ourselves to just be where our feet are. We don’t need to be anywhere else but right here, right now.

“But Pam,” I can hear you say, “I truly don’t have time to do that. I have so little time that rather than pressing 2:30 on the microwave, I just press 2 2 2 so my finger doesn’t have to move.” To that, I say—congratulations on noticing how busy and stressed you feel. It takes courage to recognize that our lives are chaotic! So, at this moment, deeply thank yourself for allowing this bravery of insight. You can only start where you are, and you are here: currently stressed and unable to see how you might carve out even one to five minutes for yourself to help regain alignment. Trust me when I say that I believe in you, and I believe you can find that one minute. But for now, just notice. Just notice the conflicts that you feel in your body. Notice the conflicts in your brain. Take a breath and feel that to breathe means to be alive, and every moment you are alive is a moment you can find Harmony. You deserve it. Even if it is only one minute.