Peace of mind is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as follows, ‘a feeling of being safe or protected.’ This state of mind is a relaxed state of mind; a mindset devoid of the irksome hindrances of everyday stresses. Peace of mind can be achieved through a variety of means, including deliberate actions and mental processes.
From one perspective, peace of mind is acquired by doing what is necessary to ameliorate stress. Turning off the stove, and locking up behind you provide peace of mind that your home and its contents are safe when you leave. On a deeper level, true peace of mind is achieved through one’s ability to manage daily stress and to live with a full appreciation of life and all that it has to offer.
In ancient Greek mythology, the Greek Gods understood that power was to be used for the greater good. We have that power within us to effect positive change both personally and for the greater good. To get there, we need to achieve complete peace of mind. One might be tempted by the Age of the Gods – a virtual rendering of the great powers of Athena, Hercules, Zeus, and Poseidon. That these demigods wielded tremendous power, resolve, wisdom, and insight is inspiring to us mere mortals. But true power comes from within. It is integrity, belief, and a sense of purpose that propels us towards that nirvana we so desperately seek.
Achieving a Sense of Calm
Inner calm is a sense of internal serenity. With peace of mind, you’re able to tackle any challenges that life throws at you. Day-to-day concerns are no longer an issue, and it is easy to feel at ease with oneself. For many folks, achieving a sense of calm appears to be a universe away. The exigencies of everyday life create a significant degree of tension, making it difficult to feel that inner peace. One may mistakenly believe that peace can only be achieved through the absence of problems.
But it’s not the problems per se; it’s the way we react to the problems that determine how stressed we will be. When stress is met with a turbulent mindset, the problem is elevated. When stress is met with calm, problems are solved. It’s much easier to navigate through a stressful situation with a sense of calm. The gurus routinely advise people to accept what they can’t control and change what they can.
A Chaotic Mind is Riddled with Maladies
The absence of calm is chaos. The unpredictability of life naturally lends itself to a series of challenges. These can impede mental well-being, or allow us to grow and overcome obstacles. Every person is faced with uncertainty. Health, work, friends, family, and the world at large are all interconnected ecosystems that can directly impact our peace of mind. Challenges can create anxiety. This can have traumatic effects on the mind and body.
It is important to realize, even in the deepest pits of despair, that nothing lasts forever. This too shall pass. Knowing that suffering is pyrrhic is in itself heartwarming. In the meanwhile, peace of mind is an effective coping mechanism. Positive assertions are important. It’s about self-encouragement, and the ability to objectively assess a situation from an internal locus. These are the elements that help when a chaotic mind is riddled with maladies.
Much of the baggage we carry around with us every day is born from an inability to forgive and move on. Bearing a grudge serves no purpose but to eat us up from the inside. Nobody benefits. Forgiveness is divine – it frees the mind from the burdensome guilt, loathsome emotions, and menacing thoughts. Anger, guilt, contempt, and despair lead to all sorts of maladies. These include a poor diet, interrupted sleep, an inability to concentrate, health problems, mental disorders, and much more.
Mindfulness meditation is perhaps the answer to all of these ills. Meditation is about focusing thoughts in a positive direction. It’s about tuning out all the noise and focusing on something peaceful. Inner peace and overall well-being are two sides of the same coin. It’s important to be able to acknowledge what the problems are and to accept what we can do to make a difference.
Meditation is a deliberate action; a peaceful practice aimed at learning how to forgive, how to accept, and how to move forward. By exploring self-identity and reflecting upon our core values, we can embrace our creative side, and understand our needs.
