“Be like a duck: calm on the surface, but paddling like the dickens underneath.”
(Michael Caine)

Humans are emotional beings, and our emotions can be terrific assets in the right context. Remaining calm in the midst of conflict, therefore, can be unnerving for others to observe. They might confuse our calm for being detached or heartless.

Maybe we could help them understand by pointing to the ducks as a clever example of the great effort required to maintain a calm exterior.

Like a duck, gliding smoothly across the water, things appear graceful on the surface. Beneath the surface, however, they’re paddling like mad to move themselves forward. Staying calm often means working hard on the inside to contain yourself and consider what you can do to steer yourself in the direction you want to go. Being calm doesn’t mean ducking conflict; it means controlling your emotions and creating an intentional stream toward your goals while representing yourself with integrity.

Peace begins with pause,