Right now I am trying to be in a place of calm, a place where I

"Right now I am trying to be in a place of calm, a place where I can chill out and then handle the chaos of life better. You don't just get it overnight; you have to work at it. It's a daily struggle." These words from Jackee Harry reflect a universal truth that has been passed down through the ages: the quest for inner peace and calm is not an easy journey, but one that requires daily effort, discipline, and patience. In the modern world, we are often swept up in the chaos of life—work, responsibilities, relationships, and endless distractions. Yet, to find true peace within oneself is not a gift granted overnight but a skill that must be cultivated over time, through deliberate practice and the willingness to face the storms of life with a steady heart.

In the ancient teachings of the Stoics, we find a similar wisdom echoed. Epictetus once said, "We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them." The Stoics believed that calm in the face of adversity was not merely a matter of luck or passive fate, but a personal discipline—a choice made each day to maintain equanimity. The goal was not to escape the chaos of life, but to master the inner response to it. In this sense, true peace comes not from controlling the world around us but from learning to control ourselves amidst the world’s tumultuous nature.

Think of the great warriors of ancient times, like Alexander the Great or Genghis Khan, who faced countless battles, both external and internal. These leaders did not rise to power by being untouched by chaos; rather, they learned to master it. Alexander, in particular, was known for his ability to maintain calm in the face of overwhelming odds. But this calmness was not a natural gift; it was a result of self-mastery and the ability to remain focused on his purpose, no matter how great the external chaos. He understood that in order to handle the chaos of battle, one must first find peace within their own heart and mind.

Jackee Harry's reflection on the need for daily struggle to achieve calm mirrors the journey of many great figures throughout history. Mahatma Gandhi, for instance, was not born with an innate sense of peace in the midst of suffering. He worked tirelessly throughout his life to cultivate a sense of nonviolence and calm, even when faced with immense personal and national turmoil. His method was one of daily practice—fasting, prayer, and deep reflection on the inner self. Gandhi’s calm was the result of constant effort to keep his mind focused on the greater good, despite the pressures and injustices that surrounded him. His life teaches us that calm in the midst of chaos is not something that happens by accident, but something we must work towards daily, even in the most challenging circumstances.

This journey toward calmness is not only a personal one but a communal one. Think of the monastic traditions in various religions, such as the Buddhist monks or the Christian hermits, who sought solitude and peace through rituals of daily prayer, meditation, and contemplation. These traditions emphasize the importance of creating space for stillness in order to handle the noise of the world more effectively. The discipline of setting aside time each day to center the mind, heart, and soul is seen as essential to living a balanced life. It is a reminder that to achieve calm in a chaotic world, we must first cultivate the habit of looking inward, with patience and dedication.

The lesson here is profound and clear: calm is not something that can be rushed or forced. It is a process—one that requires daily practice, introspection, and the courage to face life’s challenges with a steady hand. Just as athletes train their bodies every day to perform at their best, so too must we train our minds and hearts to remain calm and grounded in the midst of life’s storms. The world may try to overwhelm us with its noise and distractions, but our ability to remain centered is the true test of our strength.

So, let us take up the challenge of cultivating calm in our lives, not as a fleeting moment, but as a steady practice. Let us find time each day to reflect, to breathe, and to focus on the present moment. By doing so, we will find ourselves better equipped to handle the inevitable chaos of life, responding with clarity, patience, and wisdom. For, as Jackee Harry wisely reminds us, calm is not something we acquire overnight. It is a daily struggle, but one that leads to the greatest form of peace—a peace that comes from within.