2026 has only turned up the volume. We scroll, we fidget, we chase updates—and somehow still feel behind. I used to think the solution was more hustle. Instead, I’ve learned that turning inward changes my relationship with noise. In this piece I’ll share how to breathe into discomfort, find stillness, observe your inner climate, scan your container, and listen deeply—practices from this week’s Sit, Walk, Work episode that you can bring into everyday life.
Breathe Into Discomfort
It all starts with the breath. When I feel pain or stress, I imagine breathing into that space. It’s a metaphor, but focusing my attention there softens the reaction. Guiding your breath like this can give you a reprieve from physical or emotional discomfort. Over time, saying “I see you, pain,” makes it less reactionary.
Find Stillness in a World of Movement
Stillness is a practice, not a given. In a world where we fidget and multitask, sitting down and containing our energy feels radical. I invite you to ground in posture—sit upright, let your hands rest, close your eyes if it feels safe—and notice your breath’s pace. This simple act gives your nervous system a chance to reset, like checking your posture before starting work.
Observe Your Inner Climate
Beneath the noise is a swirl of sensations—our inner climate. Fear, anger, fatigue, excitement—these emotions arise all day and often drive our actions. Instead of acting on them automatically, pause and notice how they feel in your body: a tight chest, a clenched jaw, an ache behind the eyes. Naming these sensations without judgment takes away their power and gives you room to choose your response. Tuning into your inner climate helps you navigate stress at work, in relationships, or at home.
Scan Your Container
Our bodies hold everything we experience. I guide a scan down an imaginary line from the crown of the head to the pelvis, then out into the limbs, noticing tension and numbness. This practice is like doing a systems check—where are you holding tension? where are you numb? what needs attention? When I realise my shoulders have crept up during a tense conversation, I take a breath and let them drop. Body awareness gives us another way to stay anchored amid external chaos.
Listen to the World
Listening is another doorway into presence. At the end of the practice, we listened to ambient sounds—the hum of a heater, the rustle of trees, the murmur of a child. When I let sounds take the stage, my mind stops chasing thoughts and begins to rest. Listening also builds empathy; it reminds us there’s always more happening than our own story. Whether you’re in a busy office or a quiet home, tuning into sounds can ground you in the present.
Conclusion
Practices like these follow you off the cushion. Your breath, emotions, body, and listening are available anywhere. They don’t eliminate the noise; they teach you how to meet it without being overwhelmed. May you find stillness amid the noise and carry it into your day.
With Meta may you be well.
💬 Let’s Reflect Together
Think of a recent moment when you noticed a strong emotion (anger, fear, excitement). Where did it show up in your body? How might observing it without judgment change your response next time?
How does your breath change throughout the day? Do you notice differences between inhaling and exhaling when stressed versus when relaxed?
What would it look like to be a “neutral witness” in a conflict at work or at home? Can you recall a situation where this might have helped?
What’s one small way you can check in with your “inner climate” during a busy workday or while parenting?
Use as journal prompts or share your reflections in the comments—I’d love to hear how impermance is alive in your practice.
