Most people prefer to live a calm life. In general, this is a wise choice. “When you keep calm in the most dreadful conditions of life, you open up the avenues for solutions. This is important to help us handle even the major crises of your life.”
An opposite of calmness is a state of agitation. “Agitation can be conceptualized as a vital sign and a harbinger of disequilibrium in the patient’s emotional and behavioral regulation due to physical, psychosocial, developmental, psychiatric, and psychological contributors.” “Agitated individuals can be dangerous to themselves and others, making agitation an emergency.”
Mindfulness is a closely associated value. Mindfulness leads to a state of calmness. Meditation also produces calmness; being calm facilitates meditation. Long-term meditation seems to produce an abiding state of calmness.
Among the benefits of being calm are:
- Reduced stress and anxiety (“Calmness Conquers Anxiety”);
- Thinking more clearly, thereby making better decisions;
- Discussing, instead of fighting;
- Enhanced creativity (Chapter 12);
- Enhanced concentration;
- Better sleep;
- Sharpened focus;
- Improved emotional stability;
- More effective communication;
- Thinking before we speak;
- Makes others more confident in and receptive to us.
Real
True Narratives
Technical and Analytical Readings
Photographs
Documentary and Educational Films
Imaginary
Fictional Narratives
Poetry
Music: Composers, artists, and major works
Much of Frederic Delius’ music is calming:
- North Country Sketches (1914) (approx. 24-27’)
- The Walk to the Paradise Garden (1901) (approx. 9-11’)
- In a Summer Garden (1908) (approx. 14-16’)
- Violin Sonatas (4): No. 1 (1914) (approx. 10’); No. 2 (1923) (approx. 12’); No. 3 (1930) (approx. 16’); Sonata in B major, Op. Posth. (approx. 24’)
Other Western “classical” works:
- Claude Debussy, Suite Bergamasque, L. 75 (1905) (approx. 16-24’), “has a curious retrospection in some movements and a brisk modern air in others. The title, Suite bergamasque, immediately conjures up mental images of poet Paul Verlaine’s Fêtes galantes collection and the painted world of Antoine Watteau, who created so many images in that genre. Watteau’s rococo masterpieces of pastoral love (in fancy dress) can be imagined as depicted in the music of Debussy, particularly in the 3rd movement.” Best recorded performances on piano are by Rudolf Firkušný in 1953, Walter Gieseking in 1956, Claudio Arrau in 1977, Pascal Rogé in 1978, Kathryn Stott in 1987, and Jean-Efflam Bavouzet in 2008.
- Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 15 in D Major, Op. 28, “Pastoral” (1801) (approx. 23-28’), is calm, simple and light. “Beethoven’s pastoral dream in real life was not fake or just something following what was 'in' during the time. He loved being in the nature, and seemed to be at his creative best while taking walks in the woods.” Highly regarded recordings are by Artur Schnabel in 1933, Wilhelm Kempff in 1965, Claudio Arrau in 1966, Alfred Brendel in 1978, Maurizio Pollini in 1992, Richard Goode in 1993, Paul Lewis in 2008, and Daniel Barenboim in 2020.
- Francesco Canova di Milano: Lute works (approx. 68’)
- Kenneth Fuchs, Quiet in the Land (American Idyll) (2003) (approx. 12-15’)
- Zoltán Kodály, Summer Evening (Nyári este) (1906, rev. 1930) (approx. 17-19’)
- Kenneth Fuchs, “Point of Tranquility” (2017) (approx. 13’)
Albums:
- Ludovico Einaudi, “Sounds of Calm” (2023) (44’)
- Áine Minogue, “Celtic Meditation Music” (2004) (61’)
- Liquid Mind IX, “Lullaby” (2009) (60’)
- Los Angeles Guitar Quintet, various tracks
- Hikari Oe, “Music of Hikari Oe” (1994) (49’) and “Music of Hikari Oe 2” (1994) (64’)
- Frank Kimbrough, “Solstice” (2016) (56’): “Gravitas and weightlessness may seem like odd compeers, but both are ill at ease with one another and beautifully in league in the music of pianist Frank Kimbrough.”
- Bryan Rahija, “Timber” (2021) (38’) “is far more than background muzak as Rahija demonstrates while he gently pulls you under the hypnotic spell of his cascading guitar.”
- Coşkun Karademir, Derya Türkan, Tord Gustavsen & Ömer Arslan, “Silence” (2021) (68’)
- Chris Dingman, Fairy Garden & Buddha Harmony, “Indian Sitar: Relaxing Traditional Indian Music for Meditation” (2019) (84’)
- Pat Metheny, “Dream Box” (2023) (56’): “Featuring nine ‘found tracks’ for the quiet electric guitar, this collection showcases Metheny's spontaneous creativity and unique musical vision.”
- Pettersson & Fredriksson, “Sotali” (2015) (46’)
- Lars Daniellson, Verneri Pohjola & John Parriccelli, “Trio” (2024) (41’): “There are no keyboards or drums, making space for more acoustic textures. The recording took place in the same room, as opposed to the separate rooms usually used in a recording studio, producing a live feel.”
Indian classical ragas:
- Raga Bhimpalasi (Bheempalasi, Bhimpalas, Palasi) is an early afternoon Hindustani classical raag, which has been shown to have a calming effect. Linked performances are by Shahid Parvez Khan, Nikhil Banerjee, Kishori Amonkar, and Debashish Bhattacharya.
- Raga Asavari (Awawari) is a Hindustani classical raag for morning. Performances are by Amir Khan, Imrat Khan, Kishan Patel, and Bhimsen Joshi.
- Raga Jaunpuri, a Hindustani classical raag for late morning, which is also popular in Carnatic circles. Performances are by Sharafat Hussain Khan, Bhimsen Joshi and Ali Akbar Khan.
From the dark side:
- Sofia Gubaidulina, Concerto for Viola and Orchestra (1996) (37’) is the antithesis of calmness.
Music: songs and other short pieces
- Johann Pachelbel (composer), Canon in D
- Marconi Union, “Weightless” – here is a ten-hour version.
- Incubus, “Aqueous Transmission” (lyrics)
- Carlos Salzedo, 5 Preludes for Harp, No. 1: “Quietude”
- Franz Schubert (composer), “Meeres Stille” (Calm Sea), D. 216 (1815) (lyrics)
Visual Arts
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Girls Picking Flowers in a Meadow (1890)
- Alfred Sisley, Small Meadows in Spring (1880)
- Claude Monet, Walk in the Meadows at Argenteuil (1873)
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Young Man Walking with Dogs in Fontainbleu Forest(1866)
