Finding inner peace

According to Wikipedia, “Inner peace (or peace of mind) refers to a deliberate state of psychological or spiritual calm despite the potential presence of stressors such as the burden arising from pretending to be someone. Being “at peace” is considered by many to be healthy (homeostasis) and the opposite of being stressed or anxious, and is considered to be a state where our mind performs at an optimal level with a positive outcome.

Peace of mind is thus generally associated with bliss, happiness and contentment.”

In today’s world, inner peace may appear far-reaching but it is not. It requires diligent effort, being consistent in managing your mental space. Here are a few tips to assist you to achieve your inner peace:

1. Don’t go to every fight you’re invited to particularly when you’re around those who thrive on chaos, be willing to decline the invitation to join in on the drama.

2. Focus on your breath-
Throughout the day stop to take a few deep breaths; keep away from stress with techniques such as “deep breathing.” Breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, then out for four counts, and hold again for four counts. Repeat this cycle four times.

3. Get organised and purge old items-
A cluttered space often creates a cluttered spirit. Take the time to get rid of anything you haven’t used in a year and invest in organisational systems that help you sustain a level of neatness.

4. Stop yourself from being judgmental-
Whenever you are tempted to have an opinion about someone else’s life, check your intentions. Judging others creates and promotes negative energy.

5. Say ‘thank you’ early and often
Start and end each day with an attitude of gratitude. Look for opportunities in your daily routine and interactions to express appreciation.

6. Smile more-
Even if you have to “fake it until you make it,” there are many scientific benefits of smiling and laughing. Also, pay attention to your facial expression when you are doing neutral activities such as driving and walking. Turn that frown upside down!

7. Don’t worry about the future-
As difficult as this sounds there is a direct connection between staying in the present and living a more peaceful life. You cannot control the future. As the old proverb goes, “Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.” Practice gently bringing your thoughts back to the present.

8. Eat real food-
The closer the food is to the state from which it came from the earth, the better you will feel in eating it. Choose foods that grew from a plant over food that was made in a Plant.

9. Listen to understand, not to respond-
So often in conversations, we use our ears to give us cues about when it is our turn to say what we want to say. Practice active listening, ask questions, process, then speak.

10. Prioritise yourself-
You are the only person who you are guaranteed to live with 24 hours a day for the rest of your life.

11. Forgive others-
Holding a grudge is hurting you exponentially more than anyone else. Let it go.

12. Check your expectations-
Presumption often leads to drama. Remember the old saying, “Expectations are premeditated resentments.”

13. Practice affirmations-
Repeat positive phrases that depict the life and qualities you want to attract. It may not come naturally to you, but it works. Use I AM statements, and begin to construct a more positive identity.

Every day, I strive to lead a life of peace. My secret weapon to getting there is prayer. It’s the place I go when I’m tired, frustrated, confused, and in need of answers. It’s also the place I turn when I’m thankful, happy and walking in blessing. It’s the purest way of submitting myself to the leadership of my Father.

When we submit to God, there are two things we can expect every time. Strength to get us through the struggle and solutions to solve it; There are so many times I’ve worn myself out with worry, trying to find the answer to my problem when being answer-less is exactly where God wanted me. Because that’s when I seek Him; and that’s when I find Him.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

When you get positive about your situation, you’re not ignoring the facts, nor are you acting unreasonable.

You’re giving words to your faith. When you pray continually, you open yourself up to receiving the strength and solutions you need. And when you give thanks in all circumstances, keeping your heart in a constant state of gratefulness, you submit yourself to God’s leadership, and he will flood your heart with peace.

I wish for each of you the peace of God which surpasses human understanding.