Creating Peace

How do we create peace when we feel only chaos and confusion inside?

 The outer world is a reflection of our inner world. When we feel peaceful inside, we bring that peace with us into the noise and turbulence of  the outside world. We can not control what others do, only what we do and how we will respond. So, how can we respond lovingly to perceived unloving actions from others? One simple word gives us a clue, detachment.

What is detachment?

Detachment is to separate your feelings  from another’s behavior or action. It does not even require physical separation from the person, although that is also a choice you can make. It means you are not responsible for someone else’s feelings or attitude. Detachment can help you look at a situation more realistically and objectively.  To detach, you simply shift your perspective from how the other person is feeling or reacting, to your own inner guidance system, your feeling. This creates space  inside yourself, when you realize that you are not responsible for how others are acting or even how they view you.

Meditation as a form of detachment

When we practice meditation, we are going inside ourselves to experience our own thoughts and feelings. We can start by sitting in a comfortable chair, turning off the TV, phone or removing other noisy distractions. We sit, close our eyes and focus on our breath as it comes effortlessly in and out of our body. We also focus on our body. What kind of sensations are we feeling? We may feel tightness in the shoulder area or a discomfort in a particular area in the body. We only notice it now, because we are being quiet and focusing on our self. So give that part of the body alittle extra attention. Breathe into it and send it some loving kindness.

Thoughts, oh the thoughts…

Then you may notice that you are being bombarded by lots of thoughts. That happens as well, when you sit down and just focus on the inside. Acknowledge the thoughts by simply observing them as they float by, like clouds in the sky. Then gently return to your focus on your breath. Feel it fill up your lungs, bringing the needed oxygen to every cell in your body. You can introduce a “mantra,” or  instrument of the mind. I like to repeat silently to myself, “All is well.” It calms my mind and body and makes me relax knowing that I am being supported by the invisible Spirit that fills and surrounds me. I visualize the energy flowing from my head to my toes and back again. I focus on my heartbeat and give thanks for my incredible mind and body that supports me as I move through life.

Peace at last

Now I have felt the peace that is always waiting patiently for me to access it. I can open my eyes and face the day with new resolve. I encourage you to try this and send me your comments about your thoughts and feelings and how the process affected you, as well as how you responded differently in the world.
Namaste!
Debra