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What We’re Looking For is Already Within Us
The older I get, the clearer it gets.
I took a bus to Edinburgh a few days ago to get fingerprinted and photographed for my final residency permit in the U.K. It's been a five-year process, and my wallet is about $12,000 lighter, but it's all been worth it.
My Scottish wife and I live in a seacoast village surrounded by rolling hills of farmland, the North Sea just a few blocks away. The air is clean, the people are friendly, and the beer is good.
On the bus back home, watching small herds of cows freely graze on lush green hills, I tuned in to what was happening within me. This is what showed up.
Watching, observing, feeling.
What's there?
Noticing my body — on the lookout for sensations, silent messages about what's cooking underneath the surface.
It occurred to me— I'm not afraid.
I made a pact with myself some years ago — Leave no room for fear in my head. Seems like it's working, at least lately.
Can't remember the last time fear marched into my head.
I feel lighter without fear. Happier and freer. It feels like I'm floating above the fray right now.
Not trying to make things happen. Not resisting what is happening. Trusting that the things that I'd like to happen will — at the right time, and maybe not on my timetable.
The fray — self-doubt, worry, and being attached to what I think ought to be happening. Entertaining the inner fray is instant buzz kill.
Get involved in any of that and kiss your peace of mind, sayonara.
As needed, I remind myself to choose the path of peace. And that doesn't mean giving up your boundaries, letting people take advantage of you, or keeping your mouth shut when something needs saying.
The path to peace starts with a clear mind, a clean conscience, and an effort to connect with one's higher self.
Turn away from the monkey mind, the chatter, the inner critic who's quick to label others, get self-righteous, or fill you with shame, guilt, and regret.
