“May peace be with you” – what beauty is expressed through these gentle words.

The experience of inner peace is something that many of us search for throughout our lives, particularly in a world that seems so chaotic at times.

Many of us yearn to get away from the turmoil and turbulence brought about by constant change and uncertainty in the workplace, Other times we wish we could escape from the tension and conflict that seems to erupt in our relationships.

Moments of peacefulness

We may have moments however, when we catch a fleeting glimpse of what it feels like to be calm and tranquil – to experience the feeling of trust and faith that all will be well. And that there is no need for struggle – for all will eventually work out in the end.

But for many of us, it seems these moments pass all too quickly.

What about you – is there a sense of peacefulness within you? ……. Or too often, do you feel there tends to be discord, dis-contentment, or anxiety about what the future may hold, that distances you from feeling peace with your world? Are you able to accept who you are and where you are – whilst also accepting the people around you for who they are?

Let’s strip away from this question any potential religious inferences and instead reflect upon what peace means to you in your life ……. And consider how you might be able to experience a more pervasive and deeper feeling of peace – to the benefit of yourself, your family and your community.

Too many times, my eyes are closed

Perhaps you may be like me …. There are occasions when I feel relaxed and care-free, and know what it means to have peace within. These tend to be those times when I’ve stopped rushing and instead have been “in the moment”, in the here-and-now.

For example, often in the evenings I’ll go for a jog around the local park, and then for the cool down, just walk around the lake there, when I’ve finished my exercise. While I’m walking, my mind will sometimes wander and I find myself thinking about work and the different tasks that I still need to complete and phone calls I need to make for the following day. Or I might think about a recent argument that I’ve had with one of our teenage kids – telling myself how unreasonable they’ve been. Or my mind might even wander to some of the bills we’ve got lying around on the kitchen table that needs to be paid. … I walk around engrossed in my own world, totally oblivious to the wonders around me.

Any yet there have been other times when I have walked around that same park …and I’ve heard the birds joyfully singing …… I have smelled the fresh fragrance of the trees and flowers around me. I’ve paused to admire the sunset and the stillness of the lake, with the water sparkling like diamonds. I will sit down on the park-bench absolutely entranced by the beauty and soft colours of the sunset. And it’s in those moments when I’ve taken a deep breath and realised how trivial and petty were some of the troubles that I’d been carrying around with me……

It would seem in those magical moments that my worries would simply melt away.

And as I let go of these worries and release these inner burdens, that’s when I will quite often re-connect with a feeling of serenity – and my spirit becomes refreshed.

But here’s the point I’m trying to make …… The park, the lake, the birds, the trees, the flowers, the colours … they’re always there when I walk. And yet there are too many times when I’m failing to appreciate this beauty – I close my eyes and my heart.

Controlling chatter of the mind

So the lesson I’m gradually learning is how to recognise and control some of the internal chatter of the mind. I’m experiencing a greater awareness during my evening walks in the park – and aiming to transfer this mindfulness to wider parts of my life …… In doing so, I am slowly becoming more capable of being “in the moment”– neither worrying nor stressing about the future, nor regretting what I may have done in the past.

Ceasing the need to strive for something better – and accepting in that moment where I am, who I am and what I have.

Not letting my thoughts wander to times where I believe that others have “wronged me” …… for such feelings of anger can become toxic and will simply pull me further away from any hope of experiencing serenity within.

What inspires you and brings you peace?

Once you identify these “bringers” of peace and contentment for yourself, then you can allocate more time and space in your life for these precious moments.

Are there particular quotes, poems, prayers or stories that ease the tension in your mind and uplift your spirit? …. Are there certain people in your world that make you smile and bring with them a happiness and joyfulness into your day? ….. What are those things in your life for which you feel a sense of gratitude …Perhaps there are particular songs or music that bring peacefulness and help to soothe your soul?

And it’s not just you who will benefit

As you begin to discover a deeper sense of peacefulness in your life, so too will come the faith that you have a purpose.

Without even trying, you will become an example and provide inspiration to others around you. The calmness and quiet faith you radiate will help bring out the best in the people that come into contact with you. Whether this is in the workplace, in your community or in your home – all of your relationships will gradually become a reflection of the peace, contentment and harmony that you have discovered lies within yourself.

And so, in closing let me sincerely say … May peace be with you, my friend

This is extracted from a post I wrote and published at my blog – www.PerformanceDevelopmentAustralia.com