Calmness and focus are interconnected, influenced by the nervous system’s sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Mastering these states enhances focus, mental release, and overall well-being.
Calmness and focus are two seemingly opposite states that are deeply intertwined. Calmness involves a state of mental release, while focus demands high-energy, single-minded attention. Both are essential for our well-being, with the nervous system divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. In individuals with a well-functioning nervous system, the parasympathetic branch tends to be more dominant than the sympathetic branch, which triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response.
In high-stakes situations, such as public speaking, the sympathetic system surges, potentially tipping the scales towards debilitating anxiety. While a healthy level of anxiety is useful in such situations to build focus and attention, it can often overwhelm us. On the other hand, we may become too relaxed and laid back, unable to give our best.
To achieve a symbiosis of focus and calm, it is important to maintain a balance between these two states. A study published in the journal “Psychological Science” found that people who were calm were able to focus better on tasks than those who were stressed. Ancient wisdom, such as the Samkhya philosophy, illustrates this through the concept of gunas, where a balance of energies— Rajas (activity) and Tamas (inertia)—fosters a state of harmony and clarity.
Elite athletes often precede their peak performance with thorough rest, indicating that the intensity of their efforts is amplified by the depth of their relaxation. This state is not innate but cultivated through disciplined practice and preparation. Sports and life provide opportunities for learning this inner cooperation and helping us grow spiritually.
A person who is calm and focused is likely to be more creative. Calmness allows the mind to quiet the noise of everyday life, facilitating a fertile silence where innovative ideas can take root. Focus provides the laser-like precision needed to nurture these seedlings of creativity into full bloom. This mental environment allows the brain’s default mode network, associated with daydreaming and imagination, to work its magic, unhindered by stress or fragmented attention.
The ancient practice of Yoga Nidra is an effective way to relax the nervous system and cultivate calmed focus. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has revealed that he unwinds using a non-sleep deep rest or NSDR, which helps people relax, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. The fluidity between these states signifies a balanced harmony of energies, and finding this delicate balance is crucial for living well in today’s world.
Conclusion
Calmness and focus are intertwined, with focus requiring high-energy attention and calmness promoting mental release. The nervous system, divided into sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, plays a crucial role in our well-being. In high-stakes situations, the sympathetic system can lead to anxiety, while calmness can provide steady energy and concentration. Mastering these states involves modulating mental energies, with calm individuals focusing better on tasks. Elite athletes often practice a balance of aggression and calm, leading to better performance. Calmness allows the mind to quiet, while focus nurtures innovative ideas. The ancient practice of Yoga Nidra can help relax the nervous system and cultivate calmed focus. The art of living well hinges on finding this delicate balance.
