Cultivating Calm in Times of Uncertainty

Authored by Tristan Dan Silva | The Société Universelle – 09 May 2025

Photograph by Jay Soundo, sourced from Unsplash | Follow Jay Soundo, a cinematic editorial photographer, on Instagram: @jaysoundo

In a world teeming with noise, haste and unpredictability, serenity has become a quiet form of resistance. Remaining calm in moments of uncertainty is not merely a personal aspiration — it is a cultivated discipline, an art of stillness amidst turbulence. Whether faced with personal trials or global instability, composure is a strength that requires conscious cultivation. Herein lies a guide to attaining poise when the ground beneath seems most unstable.

1. Breathe with Intention

Though oft repeated, the instruction to “just breathe” is rooted in biological truth. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the body’s natural calming mechanism. Inhale slowly through the nose, hold momentarily, and exhale through the mouth. Allow each breath to serve not as escape, but as presence. Three cycles are often enough to soften a spiralling mind.

2. Reduce the Theatre of Chaos

Uncertainty thrives when fuelled by external stimulus — flashing headlines, unsolicited opinions, and the general clang of modern life. Limit exposure to distressing media during vulnerable moments. Curate your inputs deliberately. Elegance, in this context, lies in discretion: you need not attend every drama that beckons your attention.

3. Anchor to the Tangible

In moments of great unpredictability, the body can become your anchor. Engage your senses: sip warm tea, touch the spine of a beloved book, listen to the steady rhythm of rainfall or classical music. The tangible world reminds us that not everything is in flux. Stillness can be tactile.

4. Detach from the Tyranny of Control

Much distress arises not from events themselves, but from our desperate wish to orchestrate outcomes. The elegant mind understands that control is an illusion dressed as order. Focus instead on how you respond — this is your true domain of power. Release the futile grip of prediction, and rest in preparation and presence.

5. Speak to Yourself As You Would a Friend

Internal dialogue becomes particularly potent in crisis. When your thoughts begin to spiral, pause and ask: “Would I speak this way to someone I cherish?” Replace panic-laden language with phrases of quiet encouragement. Refinement in language extends inward — be gracious with yourself.

6. Engage in Meaningful Rituals

Evening walks, candle-lit journaling, the quiet joy of writing a letter — these small rituals are not frivolous. They signal continuity in an interrupted world. The cultivated life is not one without chaos, but one adorned with practices that elevate the soul above it.

7. Remain Selectively Vulnerable

It is noble to seek support — yet not all ears are equal. Share your uncertainty with those who possess steadiness, not sensationalism. Poise is often reinforced through the company we keep. Let your confidantes be those who honour your dignity, not your despair.

8. Reflect, Don’t React

Photograph by Vince Fleming, graciously sourced via Unsplash | Follow on Instagram @vince.fleming,

When uncertainty knocks, the immediate urge may be to act hastily. Instead, pause. Reflection offers perspective; reaction often distorts it. Journal, pray, observe — but above all, refrain from impulsive decisions during emotional tempests. The refined response is rarely the rushed one.

In closing, serenity is not passivity — it is active choice wrapped in elegance.To remain calm in uncertain times is to possess a strength that refuses to shout. It is the quiet dignity of a composed heart. In mastering stillness, you do not relinquish engagement with the world — you elevate it.