Meditation, step one.

Relax. Everything is going to be okay. Everything already is okay. You are right where you should be. There is nothing that could happen- nothing at all- that could disrupt the truth that your life is exactly on track. You might not be able to see this immediately, but trust me. You’re good. Just relax.

Sit in a chair and relax. Drive to work and relax. Whatever it is you’re doing, day after day, don’t let yourself become removed from your calm. The center of your being is peace and repose, everything else is a lie. Unclench your jaw, release the tension in your back and shoulders. Everyone you know may be filled with stress: You are calm and relaxed. Try to remember.

Start in a safe place; a quiet room in your house or a familiar prayer chapel or halfway through a Star Wars marathon. Wherever you can find true, deep relaxation and put down your worries for a few moments. When your breathing slows down and you find a half smile on your lips, you’re there. Enjoy that feeling of being alive and present and serene. This is who you are.

Carry that feeling with you. Remember it. Go back to it as often as possible. We’ll deal with all of the things that set you off, that shatter your calm and leave you feeling angry and alone and frustrated. But for now, for this one moment, set all of those disturbances aside and come back to yourself. Wherever you are, whomever you are with, whatever is happening around you. Just relax and be.

Repeat step one.