WHAT IS PEACEFULNESS LIKE?
The definition of peace is- a state of freedom from storm or disturbance.
When there is peace there is calm, tranquillity, and sereneness. When we talk of being at peace we would refer to our mind being in a state of freedom from storm or disturbance.
So, how does one attain or achieve this feeling of being peaceful? What is to at peace?
Many would say try meditation, or look for detachment, or maybe just not succumb to a feeling of hatred towards anything/anyone. A feeling of satisfaction can also bring peacefulness, satisfaction towards one’s possessions, position, and relationships. But then yet again there is a v thin line of difference between being satisfied and being laid back. Satisfaction would be, not being in a state of constant unhappiness, sense of despair over situations, or moodiness, but satisfaction is being alright to see other people happy and appreciate their achievements. Also, at the same time if one is totally laid back then there would be no desire to do better, achieve more, and excel in one’s field.
A daily practice of meditation helps too. So, to meditate do we have to go into the forests or on some remote mountain? Is that even possible? I would say “No” to both these questions, one can meditate anywhere and at any time! The idea behind meditation is to calm one’s mind and thus feel rejuvenated and able to go about one’s daily life with positivity. Well then how does one meditate? What is it like to meditate? Firstly, it is important to get comfortable, make sure your clothes are comfortable. Then sit or lie down (you can sit on a chair, sofa or anywhere comfortable), take a few deep breaths, inhale and exhale slowly. Do this a few times till you are calmer, after this start from the feet and relax each body part. This can take longer initially but once practiced it comes faster. While relaxing each part try to imagine you are in a place that you really love. It could be the beach, a garden, a favourite picnic spot, or a cozy corner at home. Try, while continuing to breathe slowly, to get more and more calm. Stay in that state for a little while, enjoying the ‘feel’ of your favourite place, try and imagine the surroundings, picture yourself savouring the beauty, peacefulness, and calming effect of your favourite place. There’s no guarantee that your mind will not ‘want’ to come back to the present, or that other thoughts won’t interrupt your this state, but it’s okay, don’t push away those thoughts instead tell them you will attend to them later. You may even fall asleep! Once you feel you have enjoyed your own private space enough slowly and very gently bring your mind back to The Present. Notice how refreshed you feel…. Do this exercise daily it will help achieve a sense of peacefulness no matter what challenges are thrown at you.
Now let us look at how else this will help….. along with peacefulness one can also learn to face challenges without feeling hopeless, and when in this state there will thus be less stress in life. The stress-less life will lead to better physical health also. When one is healthier fitness levels improve, and thus the performance in daily life chores, be it studies, or work. Also, because of this, the drive to achieve more increases.
