Peace. Nearly everyone I know could use more of it (including me).
Peace instead of worry.
Peace instead of mental chatter.
Peace instead of focusing on the negative.
Peace instead of constant noise and distraction.
Peace instead of trying to manufacture certainty in the face of uncertainty.
Peace doesn’t usually make unexpected appearances; it has to be invited in, treated as a VIP, and asked back often.
How do you invite peace?
Can I make a few suggestions?
For starters you can take a breath – yes, you, right now. Relax the tension in your body, peel your tongue off the roof of your mouth, relax your jaw, and just breathe, gently – for 30 seconds or 60 seconds – I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give.
Peace also loves walking. I can’t tell you how many ideas, solutions, and emotions I’ve worked out during thousands of steps – going at my own pace, listening to something or not, just taking step after step. For me the Latin phrase solvitur ambulando (it is solved by walking) rings true. I set out confused or frustrated and come home clear-headed and more at peace.
So I’ll ask again, how do you invite peace? Is it through breathing, or walking, or journaling, or lifting weights, or sitting on your patio, or praying, or meditating, or caring for your animals, or sharing a good conversation with someone? What’s your unique way of issuing the invitation? It’s worth noticing and worth doing. The world needs more peace.
I remember belting out a Christmas song in grade school – let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me - how simple and how true.
I hope you let peace begin with you this week.
