Slow Down When Facing Challenges

When skilled deep-sea shipwreck divers encounter challenges, they learn to control their emotions. In the dark, murky, and cold waters, it’s easy to get lost, tangled, confused, or trapped. These situations would typically trigger a 'fight or flight' response, but an experienced diver consciously reduces fear, focusing on the present until breathing slows, and reason returns.

They liberate themselves from the instinctive mind because if they panic at 200 feet below the surface, the chances of making it back to the boat are minimal.

This advice applies to your daily life. Like divers facing challenges in a shipwreck, when confronted with your own troubles, slow down. Talk yourself through it, breathe, be present, tame your emotions, and contemplate the situation. Tackle the initial problem fully before considering the next one.

As Robert Kurson writes in his book ‘Shadow Divers’, "Whatever else is wrong inside a shipwreck, if you are breathing, you are okay." And so it is with you. As long as you are breathing, everything is alright. Any challenge can be solved. Any obstacle can be overcome. Any fear can be surmounted.

When confronted with issues, troubles, or problems, the same approach that’s crucial for survival at great depths will save you from everyday struggles above the surface.

Slow down, take deep breaths, and think with reason. Master your passions, thoughts, and reactions. Control yourself. Rather than succumbing to a rushed response, take a moment to assess and choose the best course of action.

If you have found value in the Daily Yogi emails, can you briefly share why?

Read previous posts here

Did someone forward this email to you? Sign up here