find inner peace

Inner peace, almost by definition, cannot be dependent upon external circumstances. No matter what is happening in the world or in our personal lives, true inner peace endures. It must therefore be rooted in something eternal, non-temporal, not “of this world.” For some, it may be an abiding faith in God. For others, it may be a connection to the changeless, timeless nature of the universe. Or perhaps it derives from a deep love of self, believing and knowing that no matter what happens, that which is core to each of us will survive, and thrive, and continue. Living. Learning. Being.

My theme for this morning’s mediation was peace. I began with the obvious, a prayer for peace in regions of turmoil, especially Pakistan, Iraq and Afghanistan. As I sat outside in the sunlight on my front porch, listening to the wind rustle the last leaves on the mulberry, the flapping of birds’ wings, a plane passing far above, I reflected on how peace is really the natural order of things. Like a law of thermodynamics, people at peace tend to remain at peace until acted upon by an outside force. Peace is neither an action nor a reaction. It is simply a state of being. Only we can disturb it.

Then my mind turned to a more personal form of peace, the inner version. Being at peace with one’s self has always seemed to me a greater challenge than being at peace with others. But doesn’t the same natural principle apply? There is no action or reaction that can bring about inner peace. As a state of being, it exists whether I accept it or not. So why not embrace it?

This, I know, will require more mediation, deeper reflection, and greater acceptance. I am adopting this as a goal for the year ahead. My intention is to be ever mindful of the opportunity to be at peace. I do not wish to live the rest of my life struggling with inner demons, real or imagined. I will find it, and when I do, I will share it with others.