Many people ask me how I stay peaceful. We talk about a lot of the tools in my toolbox – yoga, essential oils, the emotion code and body code, aromatherapy, reflexology – and many others.
These same people read all the latest books on mindfulness and finding inner peace. They’ve even studied the masters and the ancient writings. Yet, somehow, they still haven’t found that true inner peace they need to experience a more peaceful life. Some of them have even asked me what they’re doing wrong.
Actually, most of them are not doing anything wrong. They are on the path, and they just aren’t quite far along enough yet to realize how close they really are.
That’s because it takes time and patience. Inner peace is a concept unlike any other. You can’t just read a book about it and call it a day. It will come in due time, but while you’re waiting for that time to come, here are a few things that may be slowing down your journey to finding your true inner peace.
You can’t find peace by being unconscious
If you are at peace, you’re a master of mindfulness – right? Well, that is what a lot of people believe and they are partially correct. They may not fully understand what they are saying though.
A lot of people think of mindfulness as mindlessness. They think it’s all about emptying your mind and allowing it just to be. It’s a funny paradox, and it’s often discouraging to people who focus all their energy on becoming mindful or discovering their inner peace but don’t have any results to show for it.
It’s normal to feel the most at peace when you’re not aware of anything going on around you. Sleeping is peaceful, right? It’s widely thought that peace can be found when you’re oblivious, unconscious, or desensitized to life and all that is going on around you. In reality, peace is the exact opposite. It’s a heightened awareness of the body and mind. Be sure to differentiate these two concepts, and don’t default to escaping to unhealthy habits, drugs, alcohol, too much sleep, food or other to find your peace.
You’ve confused your search for peace with a search for happiness
Peace and happiness are often talked about together, but they are two very separate states of mind.
Miriam Webster defines happiness as “1a : a state of well-being and contentment : joy. b : a pleasurable or satisfying experience I wish you every happiness in life;” and peace as “1 : freedom or a period of freedom from public disturbance or war. 2 : a quiet and calm state of mind. 3 : agreement and harmony among people. 4 : an agreement to end a war.”
In today’s reality, happiness connotes a sense of euphoria – a reason to celebrate and smile. It’s an experience. With peace, it’s not so much about excitement and laughing as it is about being still and quieting your mind. It’s a state of being. Peace is what arms you with resilience to be present throughout life’s ups and downs; happiness is what brings enjoyment to your life.
You forgot about today – you’re too busy thinking about tomorrow (and yesterday)
Do you ever wake up in the morning and limit your mind to thinking about today? It can be challenging to do that. However, peace is found when focusing on today, not ruminating about the past or worrying about the future. Living in the here and now is really all we have, and if we try to live in another place, we will never truly be at peace. You can never go back to yesterday and tomorrow will be today when we get there.
Your mind is all over the place
Many yoga instructors and mindfulness mentors teach students about the present moment. These types of practices emphasize how important it is to be aware of each moment. Every second of our life is important, don’t miss out. Your mind may constantly be wandering, so if that’s the case, try to ground your awareness in one moment. Breathing techniques are a good place to start with this.
You don’t allow yourself to trust
Trust what? You may be wondering who or what is there to trust? Every religion and belief system has its own attachment to trust, but the root of all beliefs is the same: Faith. Have faith in your Creator, and have faith in yourself and your practices. Allow your mind to declutter all of the negative messages telling you that it won’t work. Where you focus your thoughts will determine your path. Believe that it will work, and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Bottom Line
You aren’t doing anything wrong!
Baby steps – one small improvement at a time. That is the secret to finding your peace. It doesn’t happen overnight, but if you are passionate about finding it, and relentless, you will get there.
Remember these affirmations? Practice them daily. Believe what you are saying as if it has already happened – maybe it already has. These daily affirmations, along with others of you choosing, will help you on your journey to a more peaceful life.
- I am at peace.
- I am calm and collected.
- I meditate regularly to cultivate mindfulness, self-awareness, and peace of mind.
- I breathe deeply. Each inhalation makes me feel strong. Each exhalation makes me feel grounded.
- Today, I experience peace and contentment. I treat myself and others with compassion.
- My inner tranquility deepens and grows every day.
Find your purpose – find your joy!