Have you noticed “Peace” is
a word that is uttered almost as frequently as “truth,” “beauty,” and “love.”
It may be just as elusive to define as these other virtues. Yet it is so often
absent from lives today. From “Road Rage” to “Conflicts,” our culture does not
partake of peace on a regular basis.
We long for it, we wish we
had it, but we seldom find it. Even in the church we don’t always see it. That
leads to a question: Why is that some people have peace while others of us are
going to pieces
We typically think of
‘Peace’ as the absence of war; or lack of hostility. As a school teacher, my students
will use the word peace to mean chill out, or they say peace out to mean
goodbye. Any good dictionary will
define "peace" as freedom from war, harmony, concord, agreement,
calm, tranquility, serenity, quiet, undisturbed state of mind, absence of
mental conflict, contentment, acceptance of one's state and the absence of anxiety.
It will list its antonyms as war, anxiety, disorder, disturbance, disruption,
conflict and commotion.
Peace can mean a couple of
different things and as a culture we have all these saying: “Rest in
peace” “being in peace” could mean
I am okay, or “Peace of mind” getting away from it all or “peace and quiet”
solitude or rest. In many languages the word for peace is also used as a
greeting or a farewell, for example: the Hebrew word Shalom or the Arabic world
Salaam – which has multiple other meanings in addition to Peace which includes
good health, wholeness, prosperity, well being (hallmark greet
In other words Inner peace
refers to a state of being mentally and spiritually at peace. Peace of mind is
generally associated with bliss and happiness.
There was a time when
I thought peace was a destination, in much the same way I imagined I’d
eventually arrive at happiness, success or enlightenment. It seemed like something
I needed to chase or find. I’ve since realized that peace is always available,
and like any desirable state of mind, it requires effort, even if that effort
entails consciously choosing to be still.
Sure, our
circumstances affect our mental state, but they don’t have to control them, not
if we make tiny choices for our well being. I believe Attitude is everything.
Are you a glass half full person or a glass half empty person> I tend to be
a glass full gal.
Admittedly, it’s not
easy to choose peace when we’re going through tough times. I still go through
periods when I get caught up in worries and stresses, and it can feel like
that’s the only available response to things that have happened. But it’s not.
There are countless things we can do to create peace of mind. I try to distract
myself by putting on music and dancing around the house, or
No matter what happens in
the world or in our own individual lives, there a place to turn for stability.
We get to look toward the future with hope, regardless of life's and the
world's circumstances? The world around us is ever changing. Hope is a powerful
feeling that represents a mindset or an attitude. Allow yourself to enjoy the
little things found in special moments.
