How to Stay Centered When Life Gets Intense

“How do I integrate spirituality into my everyday life? Throw out the concept of “spiritual life” and “everyday life.” There is only life, undivided and whole.” 

- Adyashanti

Hurricane Helene is speeding toward Florida, and there’s an expectant buzz in the air.

Roads are empty, sandbags are piled high, and the wind is starting to howl.

As I stood in the grocery store earlier, staring at the empty shelves, a thought hit me: This is exactly what spirituality has prepared me for.

I used to think spirituality was reserved for monks on mountaintops, something distant and removed from everyday life. But I’ve learned that it’s not about escaping to a quiet place; it’s about bringing those lessons into the thick of it, especially when life feels uncertain and chaotic.

A few years ago, I would’ve felt completely overwhelmed in a situation like this.

The news would hijack my emotions. I’d be stuck in a loop of anxiety, questioning every choice - Should I stay? Should I go? What if I make the wrong call? - and I’d probably overbuy supplies, driven more by fear than necessity.

But now, it’s different. Here's how:

1/ Inner Safety:

I no longer look outside for safety—I create it within. No matter what happens, I know I can stay grounded in the middle of it. I may not be able to control the storm, but I can control how I respond to it.

2/ Trust in Flow:

I used to agonize over making the “right” choice, scared of getting it wrong. Now, I trust that whatever decision I make—whether to stay or go—I’ll handle it. I’ll adapt, and I know I have what it takes to flow with whatever comes.

3/ Sufficiency:

Panic used to drive me to stock up on way more than I needed, like a safety net made of bottled water. Now, I take only what’s necessary, trusting that I’m supported—both by what I already have and by the Universe itself.

If you’ve been feeling like the world is speeding up, you’re not alone.

There’s a powerful energy flowing through everything right now, and it’s making life feel more intense. But here’s what I’m discovering: when life gets overwhelming, it’s a call for us to face the storm rather than get swept away by it.

Isn’t that what integration is all about?

It’s not about escaping life’s messiness; it’s about learning to stay centered and connected to our power, even when everything around us feels like it’s spinning out of control.

So, what about you?

What’s the “storm” you’re navigating right now? How are you finding your calm amidst it all?