How to Cultivate Calm in the Midst of Chaos | Lisa Powell Graham | TEDxOneonta
“Social and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic threaten to reverse progress towards gender equality,” a new study funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation revealed in March 2022. I will dive more deeply into the impact of the pandemic on gender inequality. Even more importantly, I will provide concrete ideas about what we can all do to continue to move towards gender equality globally. Lisa Powell Graham, MPA is a women's leadership coach, keynote & inspirational speaker, and political trainer whose passion is helping others tap into their own secret superpowers. Lisa was part of Hillary Clinton's campaign staff in 2016 in Philadelphia, PA. She has worked on numerous local, state, and presidential campaigns, starting at age 8. Lisa has traveled to 30+ countries, and has studied yoga and meditation since 2005. She is a Certified Martha Beck Life Coach and meditation instructor. Lisa earned her Master in Public Administration degree at Harvard Kennedy School in 2005. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
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"Sometimes I remind myself that the superheroes we love in fiction aren’t perfect people. They’re flawed people who act courageously and calmly in the face of chaos." Beautifully said and a wonderful reminder that we don't have to be perfect to change the world.
@lisapowellgraham
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Brian! I could not have delivered this exact talk without your coaching, guidance and expertise. Thank you. Forever grateful. Let's go make it a better world!
The story about the yoga retreat during the wildfires is incredible. I can't imagine how scary that must have been, but her calmness in that situation is truly superhero material.
Teaching others not to panic is such an amazing point to arrive at after being anxious and panicky for so long
I really get it about the panic attacks. It's comforting to know that she found a way to calm her anxious mind.
Absolutely Lisa, the only thing we truly have control over is ourselves, so mastering the ability to stay calm when things are going awry is crucial.
Definitely agree my ability to stay calm is a hidden superpower. When shyt hits the fan we can still stay centered and make better decisions about how we're dealing with everything.
I think this talk is a lovely reminder that superheroes aren't just in movies; they're among us, making a difference every day 💙
Imagine being on a yoga retreat and witnessing wildfires in the distance. Talk about adding some excitement to your meditation session! But seriously, Lisa's experience with her yoga teacher's calmness amidst chaos is remarkable.
I've often found myself overwhelmed by despair, and it's true that hope can be harder to sustain. But the speaker's journey of healing and finding calm in chaos gives me hope that I can do the same.
@lisapowellgraham
9 ай бұрын
@dennisdanilla you absolutely can... I am so sorry that you have been overwhelmed by despair at times. Me too (I understand!) and I promise it's possible to shift your life so that peace and joy are your new norm. I am rooting for you!
Her journey from a constant state of anxiety to inner peace gives me hope. It's a reminder that change is possible, and healing is a continuous process.
I can not advocate for this enough. Meditation is the foundation for so many wonderful, hidden parts of life and the universe. Everyone should be taught/encouraged to do it.
this talk reminds me of the power of resilience. Despite all the challenges we face, there's hope in knowing that we can cultivate inner peace and make a difference in the world
Hearing this has really made me want to be more present and connected with those around me. It's time to be a superhero in my relationships too.
The idea that rest is essential, especially in a culture that glorifies hustle, is something we all need to hear. It's a valuable reminder to prioritize self-care.
I resonate with Lisa's journey of retraining her mind to be kinder to herself. It's something I need to work on as well.
The part about the yoga retreat during the wildfires was so vivid; you could almost feel the heat and fear, yet her takeaway about finding calm amidst it all was incredibly profound.
Thank you, Lisa, for reminding us that it's okay to seek help and healing. This talk is a gentle nudge to prioritize our mental well-being.
The convergence of crises in recent years has made it difficult to maintain hope. However, it's essential to remember that we can choose to be our own superheroes by remaining calm like Lisa's yoga instructor and taking action to make a positive difference.
It's easy to get caught in despair, but choosing hope and taking action can truly make us superheroes in our own lives... Didn't know I needed this so much until I watched it. Great stuff.
The idea of being able to return to a centre of peace and calm in any circumstance is truly powerful. It's a reminder that we have the capacity to make wiser decisions and create better outcomes when we approach challenges with a calm mindset.
Thank you for this reminder Lisa! Sometimes the simplest things can really help us to ground ourselves.
I love what she says at the 10:00 mark. This is something I forget far too often.
The speaker's emphasis on eliminating distractions and calming the nervous system resonates deeply. In a world filled with constant stimulation and worry, it's crucial to find ways to quiet the mind and create inner peace.
Lisa's talk touched my heart, especially her acknowledgment of those who silently battle with depression. We all need someone like her in our lives.
@lisapowellgraham
10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Those situations are the one time my neuro-divergence is actually a huge benefit. Love that feeling of just thriving amongst chaos and pressure
@lisapowellgraham
Жыл бұрын
Hi Laura - wow, thank you for sharing this perspective! I hadn't looked at it in exactly this light before, and yes, it is one of the ways your neuro-divergence is a super-power. Grateful for your thoughtful comment - thank you!
Hearing her journey from trauma to tranquility through yoga and meditation was truly beautiful. It's a reminder that healing is possible, and inner peace is attainable with patience and practice. Such a wonderful message.
This inspires me to be more compassionate towards myself. It's time to silence the inner mean girl and embrace my imperfections.
The acknowledgment of being a hero simply by staying on Earth during dark moments is a powerful message. Sometimes, the most heroic acts are the ones that go unnoticed and unspoken
This just goes to show how much people can grow if they put in the work!
The part where she talks about helping others as a way to reduce stress really hit home for me. It's a powerful message about the impact of kindness and community in times of crisis.
I resonate with the idea that hope requires action. The call to be our own superheroes by fostering hope rather than succumbing to despair is empowering.
The closing statement, 'maybe we are the superheroes we've been waiting for,' is thought-provoking. It challenges us to see the potential for positive change within ourselves.
Lisa's talk is a powerful reminder that heroes are ordinary people who step up in challenging times. We all have the potential to be heroes in our own lives.
@lisapowellgraham
9 ай бұрын
We do! I believe we can all be our own superheroes. I appreciate you listening to my talk, and hope you'll share it with others!
What she says about the distractions we face, especially worrying about other's opinions, really got to me. It's a reminder to focus on what truly matters in life instead of things you have zero power over
I appreciate her recognition of everyday heroes. It's a reminder that heroism is not always about grand gestures but often about perseverance in the face of challenges.
I can totally relate to feeling anxious and overwhelmed during the past few years. The pandemic has been tough, but this talk reminds me that we can find our inner superhero and navigate through the chaos.
We are the superheroes we are have been waiting for! I love this ❤
@lisapowellgraham
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for being one of my superheroes and best friend for life. Love you to the moon and back!
It's really comforting to know that someone who has been through traumatic events was able to overcome their anxiety. Sometimes struggles like that feel so consuming
Lisa's journey of healing is a testament to the power of resilience. Her talk gives me hope that I can overcome my own traumas too.
@lisapowellgraham
9 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind words! Rooting for you.
The idea of calming my nervous system resonates with me. I need to find ways to soothe my mind and body during stressful times.
The emphasis on helping others to lower stress levels is a beautiful concept. It's a testament to the idea that true superheroes are those who uplift and support others in need.
Focus calmly on what you can control. The serenity prayer suggests we acquire the courage to change the things we can. Excellent advice.
@lisapowellgraham
Жыл бұрын
Yes, exactly! My daily meditation practice has healed so much for me, and helps me stay calm in challenging circumstances, as well as being better at accepting that which I cannot change. The serenity prayer captures the essence of this perfectly as well. Thanks so much for watching my TEDx talk, and for your feedback!
@AmadouDiallo-ig4xp
2 ай бұрын
@@lisapowellgrahamhddggfjooô😅gezetuioooô😮ezethkkkll, De😮🎉fw es fhyuiôe FFF f😊
In every situation we have the ability to chose our response. If that's to be calm, learn to control you breathe simple.
It's refreshing to hear someone acknowledge the difficulties of maintaining calm in a chaotic world and sharing their own struggles with it. A lot of the time I watch talks like this and think "how would you know?"
The emphasis on action and hope over despair is exactly what we need more of. So easy to go down the spiral but this attitude takes work
Her approach to finding calm in chaos is not just inspiring; it makes you reflect on your own coping mechanisms, something we should assess regularly
The talk reminds me that everyone is fighting a battle we might not know about. We should extend compassion to others and ourselves as we navigate through chaos of life
Helping others as stress relief is such an underrated strategy. I've been in plenty of high stress situations with other people who weren't so experienced and I've always gone straight into help mode, it's like a switch that just gets flipped and you're so focused and helping other people navigate the issue you don't have time to really clock the danger you're in until it's all over and done with
The pandemic and its aftermath has left a deep impact on our mental health. It's important to acknowledge that feeling of overwhelm, anxious, or scared is completely normal. We need to focus on self-care as well as finding ways to "cultivate calm amidst the chaos"
I admire Lisa's vulnerability in sharing her journey with depression. Her story of overcoming despair is truly inspiring.
@lisapowellgraham
9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your kind words! My hope is always that my words may touch and inspire others. I appreciate you taking the time to watch the talk, and hope you'll share it with others as well!
The personal anecdotes about heroes in everyday life, from parents to healthcare workers, are touching. It reinforces the idea that heroism exists in small, daily acts of kindness.
Lisa's journey of healing from trauma and finding that calm, inner strength is truly inspiring. It shows that even in the face of adversity, there is hope for personal growth and transformation ❤❤
@lisapowellgraham
10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much!
I appreciate Lisa's emphasis on finding peace in the chaos. It's a skill worth mastering, especially in these challenging times.
Yeah I can totally relate to the struggles mentioned. It's been a rollercoaster ride for us, no doubt. Hang in there, guys!
The wildfire story was intense! Shows how calm can be a lifesaver.
The talk made me reflect on the power of choices. Choosing hope over despair and taking action, no matter how small, can indeed make a difference in the world.
I've never thought of calmness as a superpower before! It definitely is an amazing quality to have, especially in situations where those around you aren't coping so well.
The three ways to cultivate calm are practical and actionable. I appreciate the focus on simple steps that can make a big difference in our overall well-being.
I can't agree more with Lisa's point about hope requiring action. It's not enough to wish for a better future; we have to work for it.
I appreciate Lisa sharing her personal journey with healing from trauma. It gives me hope that I can overcome my own struggles too. Thank you for the inspiration!
@lisapowellgraham
9 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind words! I am rooting for you as well. Thank you for listening to my talk, and good luck on your journey. May you heal and live with true joy and peace!
Man she's not joking around when she says how stress and anxiety can affect our health. I naively thought I just didn't stress out about things but your body is definitely keeping the score on all of it.
The yoga retreat is such an incredible story, it must have been really satisfying for her to realize that she wasn't scared and still had control over herself even in a situation like that.
The stats on mental health really put things into perspective. We're all in this together... I wish people would start treating each other that way.
This is a really important trait to develop. The only thing we ever have control over is ourselves.
Love that she shared her personal experiences here, I think it adds authenticity to the talk and advice she's giving.
I was skeptical about meditation, but Lisa's personal experience and transformation make me reconsider. Maybe it's time to give it a shot.
I think this really speaks to the power of just sitting with your thoughts and feelings in order to work through them and overcome whatever trauma is holding you back ❤
The guided meditation suggestion is great! I'm excited to try it out and see if it helps me find more peace in my life.
I've been struggling with focusing on other people's opinions of me. Lisa's words remind me to let go of that distraction and focus on what truly matters.
@lisapowellgraham
10 ай бұрын
YES - the one person whose opinion really matters in this lifetime is your own. Focus on loving YOU (I'm working on self-love practices all the time too!) and living the life that brings your meaning, purpose and joy. Sending love!
I've never thought of hope as a superpower before, but this has shifted my perspective. I want to be a hopeful superhero too!
I really admire anyone who has done the work to move past the kind of fear Lisa talks about here. It's not something you can understand unless you've lived it.
She really paints a vivid picture of her yoga experience!
I appreciate the practical tips for cultivating calm, especially eliminating distractions. It's something I need to work on in my own life. Thanks for the insights!
I agree with what she says about how it's a convergence of trauma that society is dealing with at the moment, as well as all the inherited generational trauma that we try to deal with as individuals. Honestly considering the combinations of the two it's amazing we can function at all!
It takes real courage to heal from trauma and become a superhero of our own lives.
I feel guilty when I rest sometimes. good to hear someone say it's actually important. might try to schedule in some guilt-free downtime this week.
Can relate to those heart-racing feelings at random noises in the middle of the night. Glad you found something to help you overcome all that.
@lisapowellgraham
Жыл бұрын
Thank you - and I'm so sorry that you have experienced those feelings as well. I wish for everyone who has been through these kinds of feelings to find a path to peace. I'm so grateful I found tools that work for me, and hope that you have or can as well. Sending love!
I think this talk is a reminder that superheroes can be everyday people like us. We have the power to make a positive impact in the world.
I really needed to hear that we can retrain our mind to be kinder to ourselves. Thank you.
I was genuinely surprised when I found out what an impact the pandemic had on gender equality in the workplace, and how many women found themselves unemployed afterwards but when I thought about the jobs that women are more likely to have, and how much those sectors have suffered during COVID it does make a bit of sense
As a fellow trauma survivor, I can't thank Lisa enough for sharing her journey to healing. It's inspiring to know that it's possible to find peace and calm even after going through such difficult experiences.
@lisapowellgraham
10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your kind words. That's exactly why I gave this talk - because I want others to know that no matter what you have survived or endured, peace is possible. Happiness is possible. Sending you so much love!
I've found the most helpful thing for me during a stressful situation is that simple breathing exercise where you double inhale and then let it all out in one big exhale. Never would have learnt that without meditation so yes, definitely agree with you Lisa!
@lisapowellgraham
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your kind words, Ursula! Meditation and deep breathing exercises have been a true life-saver for me, and I still use these simple tools daily.
I can relate to the struggle of beating myself up as a perfectionist. The idea of giving ourselves permission to be imperfect for inner peace is something I need to embrace more.
I'm thinking it's time we all stepped into our power and became the super hero in our lives.
@lisapowellgraham
Жыл бұрын
YES! That's my mission. Let's all use our personal superpowers to do more good in the world! We are ALL needed.
Wow that yoga retreat sounds like such an amazing experience. Terrifying, sure, lol but I imagine so powerful and surreal at the same time.
The idea of cultivating calm amidst chaos is so powerful. I'm going to try these techniques and see how they work for me.
Definitely know what she means about how easy it is to fall into doomscrolling. I'm trying to replace that habit with ted talks and I'm glad to have found this one! A lot of it is very relatable, thank you Lisa 💜
I think we just need to remember that the only thing we can control is ourself and our feelings! So yeah, it's pretty important to stay cool or "cultivate calm" when things around us are going wrong...
@lisapowellgraham
Жыл бұрын
Exactly! I gained so much more ease and peace when I "resigned as the General Manager of the Universe," as I like to joke... I realized I really am NOT in control of so much in this world - but I CAN focus on staying calm and taking thoughtful actions.
So amazing to hear a story like this, their is something so magical about a woman who has come into her power like this
The way she connects her personal story with the broader impact of the pandemic in terms of mental health and gender inequality is really interesting.
Wow, Lisa's talk really hit home for me. I've been feeling overwhelmed lately, and her tips on cultivating calm in chaos sound like just what I need. Going to try the five-senses grounding technique for sure!
@lisapowellgraham
10 ай бұрын
I'm so happy that you found this talk to be useful! Let me know how the practice goes! I find that the deep breathing and five-senses grounding especially help me to return to the present moment, and to figure out what the "right next step" is if I need to take some action. Meditation has been a life-saver for me too. Good luck with it all!
The part about being the eye in the center of the storm struck such a chord with me. Will definitely try the five senses grounding technique when things get overwhelming
Could definitely relate to what she said about nearly 9/10 adults saying it feels like it's just been one thing after another. I'm in my late 30's and I feel like it's been happening my whole life. Y2K, 9/11, 2012... I'm sure there's been more but as a child I really thought the world would be over by now
Beautiful and powerful. Superheroes are within us all. Well done 👍🏽
@lisapowellgraham
Жыл бұрын
WE ARE THE SUPERHEROES WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR, indeed my friend... It's our time!
This talk needs to be seen in the middle east right now
nice to hear I'm not broken or anything. Maybe I can actually get better at this calm stuff. gonna try to be more patient with myself.
Such a powerful message! Thank you for sharing!!
@lisapowellgraham
Жыл бұрын
Thank YOU for watching it and sharing! It means the world to me.
Wow what she says around the 14:20 mark is really profound and so eloquently put it gave me a little confidence boost
It's all about finding that inner peace my dudes ❤✌
Needed this today, thank you Lisa!!!