Peace is not the absence of trouble.
It is the presence of Christ in the midst of that trouble.
How do you define peace? Does it come with silence or pleasure?
Peace is freedom from disturbance; tranquility. Also, it represents calmness, restfulness, peace and quiet, peacefulness, quietness, quietude, silence, soundlessness, stillness, seclusion, solitude, isolation, lack of interruption, freedom from interference…
Jon Mertz is one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders and I read his blog What Does Peace Mean to You? Which highlighted the different ways that we can identify with peace.
- Peace is a home where there is laughter, cuddling, and quiet moments of just feeling good about all that is around.
- Peace is getting lost in the lyrics of the song.
- Peace is teenagers who do what they are asked when they are asked.
- Peace is a workplace that respects individuals, creativity, and contributions.
- Peace is an expansive prairie with a light breeze and a slight smell of spring rain.
- Peace is a clean, quiet scene after a major blizzard. All outside looks crisp, clear, and pure.
- Peace is a conversation that makes you think.
- Peace is holding hands and just walking deep in thought and comfort, knowing there is nothing we cannot do and all is okay.
- Peace is being accepted for who we are while being challenged on how we can be better.
- Peace is feeling comfort yet never being completely comfortable with things just being good enough.
- Peace is a soulful feeling that we are making a difference in what we do.
- Peace is being lost in thought.
- Peace is silence in a chaotic swirl of activity.
In the end, he asked what peace meant to you. When I initially read the blog I found myself to drift away in those peaceful moments that he wrote about; however, I quickly reflected on my life and it was not just peace I yearned. I do not want 1 hour of peace in my day or to be at a place where I have to close my eyes and become lost in my thoughts. I YEARN Inner peace!
Inner peace refers to a deliberate state of psychological or spiritual calm despite the potential presence of stressors. … Peace of mind is thus generally associated with bliss, happiness, and contentment. But how do we get to a level of inner peace? In some cultures, it is obtained through mediation and prayer. Others use yoga or tai chi as a way to accomplish it. And there are many more examples out there but spiritual is the root of peace. Psalm 29:11 reads, “The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” I know as your reading, you may quickly judge and say how can you find inner peace in such a chaotic world. Yet please understand that it begins within you. Anything we work toward is a challenge at first but if we learn to work towards creating a more peaceful mindset then we will be creating inner peace that will help us to become happier, less stressed, more conscious of our choices and decisions.
The Serenity Prayer has been used for decades with individuals, organizations and 12 step programs as a chant to surpass difficult situations or circumstances. Have you ever read the prayer and comprehended the meaning? It’s the anthem of inner peace.
In conclusion, consider joining me in my journey to inner peace.
10 Practical Actions to Find Inner Peace
1. Have nothing unresolved.
As opposed to just having things finished, completely clear up the larger unresolved issues personally and professionally that sap your energy and create other problems in your life. You will feel a weight come off your shoulders.
2. Surrender and accept what is.
Rather than resisting and fighting, just stop struggling. Resistance blocks energy and creativity. How can you find a solution when you are flailing about and tensed up? Unhook yourself from the situation or person and view it from a detached perspective.
3. Take full responsibility for how you react to others.
Other people don’t make you behave in a certain way. You choose your behavior. Decide who you want to be in all circumstances. Mentally prepare yourself and plan for a calm, unflappable response even during trying times.
4. Become aware of and sensitive to feelings rather than ignoring them.
This means your own feelings as well as others. Don’t shove away feelings because they are uncomfortable. They are sending you a message. Take time to poke around those feelings to discover what is behind them. If you don’t, the feelings will come back in more unpleasant ways and really disrupt your peace.
5. Tell the entire truth.
Resist editing, lying, or translating. Be real. Lay it on the table in a gentle and authentic way to yourself and others. Hiding the truth doesn’t serve you in the long run. Staying true to your integrity brings peace of mind.
6. Know your higher self.
Distinguish between your self versus your mind, ego, needs or past experience. Take the time to understand who you really are. What are your values, your goals, your joys and passions, your integrity? Those are what define you and make you authentic.
7. Unhinge from adrenaline.
Adrenaline is the drug of choice in a stressed-out society. It gives us a jolt of superhuman energy when faced with a threat. But mostly we use it to get that rush to blast through the day. An adrenaline lifestyle can do soul-damaging things: overworking, being greedy, insistence on getting ahead or winning even at the expense of relationships. Kick the adrenaline dependency. Slow down and let go — or risk losing your health, your relationships, and your peace of mind.
8. Know what rattles your cage.
What makes you bristle or pushes your buttons? There’s a reason you react, and understanding the truth behind these feelings is the first step in addressing the problem or letting it go. Keep asking yourself, “Why do I feel this way?” until you know the real answer. Then deal with the answer directly.
9. Step over nothing, even the small stuff.
Don’t ignore even the smallest toleration or imbalance in your life. You may not be able to change everything, but awareness and the ability to manage toleration in a healthy way can bring you peace.
10. Prioritize peace ahead of the performance.
Make an estimated guess on the days you have left to live. Do you want to look back at your life and celebrate the rushing around, the completed “to do” lists, and the stuff, or do you want to reflect on days of calm, connectedness, great relationships, wonderful experiences, and peace of mind?
The most profound impact of inner peace is the peace it spreads to the world outside of us. Peace between families, communities, and countries begins with each individual. Inner peace is contagious. As you find inner peace for yourself, you become a model for others and spread the seeds of peace everywhere you go. http://www.liveboldandbloom.com
Bradley's Homestead 