Life is not without its challenges. Troubled times test our resilience, forcing us to adapt, grow, and strive for peace and balance amidst uncertainty. But how can we thrive, not just survive, during these periods of hardship? The teachings of two profound thinkers, Dr. Stephen Porges, a renowned neuroscientist, and Mahatma Gandhi, a leader of unparalleled moral courage, provide valuable insights on creating inner harmony and connecting with our deeper selves.
This blog explores self-commitment principles, the profound role of self-soothing in our brain’s functioning, and the importance of connecting with our intrinsic identity. Building a strong inner world, a concept deeply rooted in neuroscience and philosophy, allows us to weather external storms with grace and resilience.
A strong commitment to yourself is at the heart of thriving in difficult times. Dr. Stephen Porges emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space within yourself as a foundation for stability. Through his Polyvagal Theory, he explains how the vagus nerve governs our stress responses and how self-regulation techniques enable us to find calm even during distress.
Similarly, Gandhi’s philosophy of self-reliance underscores the need for inner peace as a precursor to navigating external struggles. He believed self-transformation was the pathway to societal change, famously stating, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” The underlying message from both thinkers is clear: commitment to yourself is not selfish; it is essential.
When you practice self-commitment, you become more equipped to establish healthy boundaries and take control of your inner reality. Start by setting aside time daily to reflect, meditate, or practice mindfulness, creating a consistent connection with your inner self.
Dr. Stephen Porges highlights the brain’s capacity to self-soothe as an essential function for navigating stress. Self-soothing begins in the brainstem, the part of our nervous system responsible for survival responses, and connects with the upper brain, which governs memory, emotional regulation, and decision-making.
You signal safety to your brain when you engage in practices that calm your nervous system, such as deep breathing, healing music, or simply sitting in silence. These simple acts encourage a shift from a hyper-alert state of survival into a state of connection and balance.
This scientific principle aligns closely with Gandhi’s belief in the power of inner calm. He frequently turned to prayer and fasting, which helped quiet his mind while sharpening his clarity of purpose. Gandhi demonstrated that self-control and self-soothing stabilize the individual and have ripple effects far beyond oneself.
Fostering self-soothing habits fortifies one’s ability to remain calm and composed when facing external pressures. Connecting to activities or rituals that naturally settle one’s emotions builds long-term resilience.
Troubled times have a way of shaking the foundation of who we believe we are. If we lose sight of our intrinsic identity, it is easy to be swept away by the demands and judgments of the external world. Dr. Porges’ research underscores the importance of social connection and familiarity in reducing stress and reaffirming our identity. Surrounding ourselves with people, places, and objects that resonate with our inner truth promotes stability.
Driven by nonviolence and authenticity, Gandhi’s life reminds us to return to our roots, values consciously, and higher purpose. He showed that acknowledging your true self can empower you to face even the greatest adversity.
Ask yourself this simple yet profound question regularly: “Does my current path reflect who I truly am, or what the world expects me to be?” Aligning your actions with your true identity fosters genuine strength amidst chaos.
According to both thought leaders, the inner world is a sanctuary and a gateway to universal consciousness. Dr. Porges emphasizes humans’ interconnected nature, showing through neuroscience how our nervous systems are biologically wired for connection. Deep within ourselves is the capacity to find personal calm and unity with the greater human experience.
Gandhi called this “truth force” or “satyagraha”—a term that describes the deep, universal power that exists when one remains true to one’s inner values. He saw every individual’s inner world as a reflection of a higher truth, encouraging self-discipline and meditation as practices to align with this frequency.
Treat your inner world as a sacred space to reconnect with the broader universe. Practices like meditation, journaling, or mindful walks in nature offer pathways to realigning with your inner and universal consciousness, allowing you to thrive, even when the external world remains turbulent.
It’s important to recognize that thriving does not mean granting the external world unchecked access to your inner self. Dr. Porges’ research emphasizes establishing boundaries, allowing the brain to recalibrate its state, and avoiding sensory overwhelm. Even social bonds, central to human connection, require moments of pause to protect mental well-being.
Gandhi put it another way when he advised that external pressures should never dictate the tenor of the soul. “You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no result,” he advised. This reflects the idea foundational to self-empowerment—we decide what the external world can access in our internal sanctuary.
Choose carefully what you allow to shape your thoughts and define your self-worth. Limit social media exposure, avoid toxic environments, and deliberate how you allocate your energy and attention.
Dr. Stephen Porges and Mahatma Gandhi teach us that our inner world is precious. Consider it your most valuable possession. Reaffirm your intention regularly to defend and nurture this treasure through practices like gratitude journaling, staying present, and doing things you love.
External demands will always exist, but you are not obligated to grant them unrestricted access to your internal sanctuary. Gandhi’s life exemplified this ideal—in his refusal to respond to violence with violence, he consistently maintained sovereignty over his inner peace.
The key takeaway is simple but profound: safeguard what makes you “you.” Doing so builds the resilience, clarity, and calm needed to face external uncertainties without losing touch with yourself.
Thriving in troubled times is not about avoiding challenges but transforming how we respond to them. The teachings of Dr. Stephen Porges and Mahatma Gandhi reveal that self-commitment, self-soothing, and reconnecting with your inner world are crucial in cultivating resilience, balance, and connection.
Your inner world is your sanctuary and your source of strength. Begin today by making your well-being a priority. Start small but be consistent. Reflect, breathe, and nurture your connection with yourself and the universal consciousness surrounding us all.
By anchoring yourself in these fundamental principles, you can thrive in troubled times and inspire others to do the same.
Actively choose inner calm. The world does not define you. You define yourself.
