I once worked at a school for "troubled boys", who were no longer welcome at the public schools. It was here that I learned the concept of being a "solid object". This means that you are not emotionally affected by whatever behavior is being displayed. You are calm. You are "a rock". You are in full control of yourself.
This demonstration of grace under pressure serves as a powerful resource and aid for the person who has lost control of his/her own emotions.
I went into "solid object" mode last night because, at the end of a long Easter day celebration, my six year old was completely out of sorts. I calmly asked her some questions to see if I could talk her through her angry state. And when it became obvious that this wasn't going to work, I scooped her onto my lap and sat with her on the couch until she fell asleep - which took all of about 3 minutes. (Clearly she was overtired.)
And she was also hungry because she woke up in the morning still angry and only recovered her more natural disposition after some banana pudding breakfast. (Mashed banana with peanut butter, hemp protein powder, flaxseed meal and raisins.)
That training served me well last night. And I realized that I need to use it more often. And not just for my kids, but for me as well.
We all get out of sorts sometimes. And it isn't always easy to maintain control of our thoughts and emotions. So we need to have something greater to draw from.
Love is the answer. Love is always a "solid object". Calm. Present. In control. Love doesn't get flustered or angry. Love is a constant, pure vibration.
Love is the stronghold that we can call upon whenever we are in need. And we can be that for others with the Love we possess.