by Stephen Costen
This month we will focus on one of the Peace Center’s four concepts. That concept is to “BE ME - discover the wonder and beauty within, were peace begins. Explore emotions, feelings, learn self-esteem, and use your talents and uniqueness.” It seems to me that the key here is to find the peace within.
Let’s begin our journey with the definition of exactly what peace is. The word peace encompasses a whole range of meanings, so let us narrow down our search for the meaning of inner peace or peace of mind, the kind that pertains to us on a personal level. For that there are three pertinent definitions- (1) state of tranquility or quiet: (2) freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts: (3) harmony in personal relations. The main idea that pops out at me when I read these definitions is that peace results from a particular state of mind. In other words, it is not something that we can receive from other people or that we can buy from a peace store. It is something that we accomplish by the way we think. It is the absence of conflict in our mind. It is important to note that external conflict is not related to peace of mind. Indeed external conflict is necessary for our inner growth.
By facing outside challenges and solving them in a calm and peaceful manner we practice cultivating our inner peace. How awesome it is to know that with the troubles, we can also have peace as well. Peace of mind! But we have to work to make it happen, it doesn’t just fall into our laps. Okay, now that we see what we are looking for, the next question becomes; how do we achieve it? Having a belief that the power of love and forgiveness will overcome any negative thoughts is a first step. Also, realizing that anything that brings conflict into our lives is just a temporary condition and by taking charge of our situation and our way of thinking in a positive manner will bring harmony in our lives. HARMONY = PEACE! With the knowledge that no matter what happens in this life, we can control our own inner peace simply through the use of positive thoughts and self-talking makes the problems of the world seem insignificant and therefore powerless to perturb us. This is not to say this is an easy thing to do. It takes much practice, determination, and willpower in order to change our way of thinking. The practice of meditation is one great way to still the disturbances of the mind. It allows us to block out all of the outside noise from a chaotic world and find the calming, soothing voice of our inner guide . Another practice that will allow us to experience inner peace is to make it a habit to forgive others when they do you harm. By forgiving the actions of others you are not condoning what they do, but you are saying no matter what you do I still love you. It is impossible to feel hate and conflict if you truly have love in your heart for your fellow man. The chief obstacle that stands in our way of doing this is pride. This is the main obstacle that make us the most vulnerable to attack, misbehaviors, and insults”, in other words, all the things that take away our peace of mind. When we think about it doesn’t most of our conflict with others come from having our pride hurt? Learn to forgive! You will be amazed at how that simple act will unshackle your mind and soul to bring you peace.
I hope that these thoughts will inspire you to act. Only when we are truthfully at peace within ourselves can our true potential shine forth. With the power of peace, the world is ours!
