‘We don’t realise that somewhere within us all, there does exist a supreme self who is eternally at peace.’ - Elizabeth Gilbert
These are challenging times for most people and if you’re going through a period of disruption and change please remember that the chaos of transitional times can also be transformative times too……
I believe we are currently in a time of universal transition on all levels - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual……
However do remember that inner peace is possible in times of stress…..with exercises that cultivate mindfulness, meditation, balance, grounding to the earth, gratitude, happiness and living in a heart based frequency……laughing a little more, taking pleasure in the beauty of nature and the wonder of this earth……you can find peace in everyday life.
Stillness is the key.
So sit in nature - under a tree, on the grass or a park bench and simply just be.
‘There’s no better designer than nature.’ - Alexander McQueen
Or walk in the park or a scenic part of your town/city/countryside and immerse yourself in the calm of your environment and feel the earth under your feet. I so recommend walking from place to place and looking up and smiling regularly…….your endorphins - our happiness hormones - will release the joy and let the feel good factor flow.
‘Peace begins with a smile.’ - Mother Teresa
Rule your emotions, don’t let them rule you. Once under control take that energy and direct it toward a passion for your greatest success and happiness……..
‘Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.’ - Ralph Waldo Emerson
When things change inside you, things change around you……
So let go of the thoughts that don’t make you strong and slow down - never be in a hurry(!) - do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.
Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
‘Only in quiet waters do things mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is there an adequate perception of the world.’ - Hans Margolis
I have found the following further practices helpful for my equanimity of spirit and peace:
1.) Declutter and simplify a cluttered part of your home - it can be amazingly satisfying to create a more peaceful space. Remember that clearing clutter ultimately is an inside job and offers the opportunity to slow down, allow, listen, reflect, surrender, feel, soften, let go…..
2.) Take 5 to 10 minutes for stretching, syncing your breath with the movements and finally stand with your arms outstretched and just breath deeply, hold for a few seconds and let your breath go. Repeat 3 or 4 times it will deeply relax you.
3.) Your inner child just needs an invitation from your inner adult to come out and play. And play it will, leading you to a happier more meaningful peaceful life along the way. So get into your body and out of your head by dancing around the kitchen to your favourite music focusing solely on the music and the movement……your body, mind, spirit will respond with relaxing relief and joy this exercise brings.
‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’ - John Hughes
4.) Meditate on your favourite ‘peace’ quote as a mantra and then write it in calligraphy for framing. Place/hang it by your desk/table so you can see it regularly.
5.) Look in the mirror every day and say ‘I love you’ and other positive affirmations. Our experience of life mirrors our relationship with ourselves. Unless we see ourselves as loveable our world can be a dark and lonely place - so learn to love yourself and experience the world as a safe and loving place. This is a deeper level of self care and if practiced regularly can work wonders.
6.) Practice the art of creative visualisation where you can form mental images or visual pictures of what you want to achieve in your mind to accomplish practically the realisation of these visions. Saying positive affirmations at the same time will give this practice an extra positive charge.
7.) The words you say and use are vibrationally powerful and impact your mind and physical demeanor - so make sure you regularly use positive words and phrases when talking to yourself and others.
8.) Forgive yourself and others from past mistakes - so you can release yourself to find peace and happiness. If you can forgive on a soul level that will be enough. As the anger begins to dissipate you will feel a lightness in your body and soul. If you can embrace forgiveness with no expectation - the result will be even greater space for grace and all good things to come into your life…….
‘The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world.’ - Marianne Williamson
9.) Set aside some time to actively enjoy and give gratitude to all the good things about the present moment and keep adding to your gratitude journal and read regularly. This can be a miracle worker.
‘When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breath, to think, to enjoy, to live.’ - Marcus Aurelius Antoninus
10.) Create a list of things you love about yourself and become your own best friend. Then focus on what you appreciate about the people in your life too and go and have fun with someone you love.
11.) Volunteer your time to help a charity you believe in. Or put all your energy into helping someone else and you will inadvertently help yourself.
12.) Tell the truth in your relationships. When we hold in our true feelings, we create stress for ourselves. Be kind but honest and share what you really feel.
Life’s reality code is based in the language of human emotion and focused belief.
Knowing that belief is our reality-maker, the way we think of ourselves and our world is now more important than ever…….
By staying connected to your strong spirit, you will always have more than enough……so be at peace and connect regularly with these practices.
When you’re inspired, not only can you deal with any tricky issues, you can transform them into advantages…….
‘It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring the most lasting change.’ - HRH Queen Elizabeth II
When we do at least one small thing every day to create mental stillness……or even write a blog post about what gives you peace of mind - I can tell you it works.
Remember you’re bigger than all your challenges.
Trust the miracle of your own being.
Have a beautiful, blessed and peaceful month ahead.
❤️🙏🏻
‘Within you is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself.’
- Hermann Hesse