Cultivate calm by planting your feet in today

A few years ago, Maya found herself in the season of her life she least expected: winding down a thirty-year career and stepping into retirement. She felt lost without the daily structure of work, and every morning she woke up with a nagging question—"Now what?"

One Sunday afternoon, she sat quietly on her porch, the chirping of cicadas in the heat-warmed air reminding her of summer spent at her childhood home. She closed her eyes and named her season: "I’m in a transition from professional to personal focus." She listed its unexpected lessons—patience, self-discovery, renewed curiosity—and felt a soft relief wash over her.

Maya then asked herself: "What’s my next right thing in this season?" The answer came as gently as a breeze: "I’ll visit the library every Tuesday." The following week, she walked among shelves of books, rediscovered her love of poetry, and struck up a conversation with the librarian. In that simple act, she honored her new season.

Neuroscience tells us that naming emotions and contexts activates the prefrontal cortex, reducing stress and boosting clarity. By planting her feet firmly in her current season, Maya found calm and direction.

Start by whispering or writing down the season you’re in—be it new parenthood or career change. List its surprising lessons or gifts, then ask yourself, “What’s my next right thing?” Do that one small step—maybe a walk, a call, or a quiet moment. Feel how this simple practice grounds you. Do that first today.