This critical skill...(on learning calm)

Stay calm                                             
 and take a sip.
First rule always for every upset,
take a minute
 to catch your breath.

Stay calm
 count to ten
count your fingers
  to the end
name them low
in your throat
say them quiet.  One, two...
slow.

Stay calm

and hold this sea shell 

in your hand.
Feel the cool 

I know you can.
Cloistered in this numbered place
  calm is quiet silent grace.

(The more time I spend teaching basic relationship stuff, whether it be about interpersonal or our integral selves, the more I see that being calm is pretty much the keystone.  The more I teach about being calm, the more I see how difficult it is to practice this very basic and critical skill. )