“We don’t realize that, somewhere within us all, there does exist a supreme self who is eternally at peace.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert; Eat, Pray, Love
‘Tis the season of overwhelm. The weather is unbearable, the lines in the stores are intolerable, the traffic is horrendous, and everyone around you seems to be losing their minds… It may seem that now, more than at any other time of the year, you are forced to deal with people who frustrate, irritate, and aggravate you; you are immersed in situations that create conflict and cause confusion. In the midst of the holiday madness, when we seem to need it most, is inner peace even attainable?
Well, that depends on where you are looking for it.
Often – especially during times when we feel stretched to our limits – we fall into the trap of thinking that peace is something to be acquired. “If only I had _____ (another cup of coffee, a massage, a different family… fill in the blank), I could deal with the stresses of the day.” Nope. If you are looking anywhere outside of yourself for the key to peace, you are searching in vain because your Supreme Self is always in possession of that key.
Wherever you are right now, take a moment to breathe deeply. Dive into your heart and find the most Loving place inside you; this is the place where your personal peace dwells. Release it, and allow it to flow over your consciousness. Allow the clarity that it carries to cleanse you of the residual burdens of the world outside. Experience peace; and in doing so, become peace.
And return to the world with a renewed ability to be the example.
~ Christiana
(Another practice to aid with finding peace within can be found here.)
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