When events and attitudes make the world feel even more chaotic and frightening, we can take a deep breath and become an antidote to the fiery atmosphere. We can be an island of peace in a stormy sea.

The first step is to bring calm into our minds. Otherwise we add to the fear and anger swirling around us.

One easy way to recenter is to do the 3-4-5 breath that I taught many in crisis management classes. We can do it anywhere, usually with no one around us noticing. It’s so simple:

1. Breathe in to a slow count of 3.
2. Hold your breath to a slow count of 4.
3. Breathe out to a slow count of 5.

Repeat until you can feel yourself calming down. Then open yourself up to feel the presence of God.

Remember: You can be a force for good. You can be a force for peace. That is one way … not always small … to let the light of Christ shine in the world.