A state of feeling inner peace is sought after by most people. We would all like to be free from inner turmoil and conflict.
We may feel as if we are making good headway and feel peaceful in our hearts. Then…
- Our computer crashes right before we sit down to write our blog that needs to be posted.
- Our co-worker may not have done their share of the work so you are left with doing double.
- Our spouse may say something that grates on our nerves
- We get stuck in traffic
- The line in the store is long and we have an appointment to keep
“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.”
Dalai Lama
There really seems to be an endless list of things that seem to suck our peacefulness right out of our bodies. We don’t need to let that happen.
We cannot control these events from happening, but what we can control is our reaction to them. There is only one person I can control and it is myself.
A few of these things listed previously happened to me just today. As I started my Friday of what is going to be a 3-day weekend, I was feeling peaceful and joyous. Then what I call the “crazies” took over.
For me it is a physical reaction that I have come to recognize. My stomach actually feels queasy, and I think my heart rate becomes elevated (it sure feels like it is).
Some things we can do when we are seeking to restore our inner peace:
- Think about why this situation has occurred (what can I do to prevent it in the future?)
- Focus your brain to calm your body
- Deep breaths
- Remove ourselves from the situation until we can feel better (if possible)
- If possible, go for a walk/run/swim
- Go outside and feel the sun on your face
- Meditate
- Keep your voice calm and soft
“You’ll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart.”
George Michael
It is not always easy to let go of the things that cause havoc in our lives. We need to accept that we have no control over another person. They may never apologize for hurting us or do the right thing the next time. We can only control our reaction to these events and how much we allow them to destroy our inner peace.
We need to permit ourselves to feel these frustrations and allow them to pass through us. Breathing deeply will calm your heart rate and fill you with peace. Use visualization of a helium balloon floating from your chest into the sky taking with it all the negative feelings. You will be left with a calmness you never thought possible.
Be easy on yourself. Let go of all old resentments, hurts, and unrealized dreams because they are only hurting you.
Recognize that this is an ongoing lifelong learning experience. Each time you choose inner peace, you will feel healthier and calmer.
Organizing, Growing, and Finding Peace Together 