Serenity is something we have to discover and define for ourselves. It might be difficult at first. But you’ll know you’ve found it when a sense of calm washes over you. Your muscles relax and your mind is free to wander. It takes conscious effort to give yourself over to serenity.

We tend to label anything that doesn’t yield a material benefit to be a waste of time. It's important to let go of this mindset. Serene activities are not about “doing something” to prove your worth or be productive. They are about quieting your mind so you can listen to your heart. Use these quiet moments to scan your soul and check in with yourself. Allow yourself to feel whatever comes naturally. If you feel sad, cry. If you feel happy, laugh. If you feel angry, scream into the pillow. Let your body express itself.

There is no right or wrong way to incorporate serenity into your life. The point is to integrate this practice so deeply into your life that you don’t even have to think about it. It may feel unnatural at first, but once you start to see and feel the benefits of “getting a grip” you’ll never go back.