What does it mean to find peace of mind? Inner peace refers to a deliberate state of psychological or spiritual calm, despite the presence of stressors. So often we look for peace, hoping it will be fixed by others. In fact many scholars have instructed us that this is a fallacy.
The Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl instructed us that “When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.” This can be hard. But it is possible and it is necessary. Peace is an inside job; inner peace is of more value than all the world’s fortunes.
It is a feeling, and when we experience it it’s as though every fibre of our being is in harmony. We actually experience a state of equilibrium. This feeling of ease is a harmonious experience where there is an alignment between the heart, mind and emotions. When we encounter this state of coherence we make better decisions, we are more rational, more discerning and we use our intuition.
But it is not only our emotional health that benefits. From inner peace to better health we know that when we are at peace we feel more robust and studies show that this has a positive effect on our health. They also reveal that when we are in a more positive state of mind we are healthier. One of the most peaceful experiences we can have is to be amongst nature. We experience peace from the sights, sounds and aromas.
But beyond the senses evidence is emerging that shows there are other pathways when we spend time in nature that are beneficial for our health. Japanese researchers found that we literally breathe in health from beneficial bacteria, plant-derived essential oils and negatively-charged ions. In Peter Wohlleben’s book, The Hidden Life of Trees he advises us that forest air is the cleanest air. That every walk in the forest is like taking a shower in oxygen.
John Muir encourages us saying “nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.” We can find peace by engaging in the here and now. By living in the moment. Not living in the past or the future. It can be in the comfort of your own chair, when you close our eyes and breathe in peace, love, appreciation and gratitude.
So whatever situation we find ourselves in this Christmas, know that no one can steal your inner peace. It is yours alone. And there is freedom in that.
ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT: A POEM TO HELP PROMOTE INNER PEACE AND HAPPINESS
The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry
“When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great
heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free….”
