Peace of Mind
Peace of mind is not a goal or an ideal state of mind, it is a daily, fluctuating practice of being mindful.
It’s a Relief.
Life is chaotic, unexpected, and largely out of our hands. This inner work’s “goal” is to develop inner steadiness so that we can manage and endure these stressful aspects of life with more ease and awareness, not to get rid of the difficult emotions and stressful parts of life. That we don’t have to be flawless is such a relief. What a comfort that we don’t have to know everything. We can just get going. How wonderful it is that we can embrace ourselves at any time, even when we are messier.
The key to maintaining mental tranquility is to forget, recall, and then forget once more. Seasons for recovery, growth, and evolution coexist with seasons for simply existing and assimilating our newfound understandings.
Peace of mind and body is also important.
The organism is constantly in the present. The mind is continuously time-traveling into the past and the future, frequently accompanied by stories that are motivated by fear. However, the organism is always present.
Our mind and body come together in the present moment, even briefly, when we remember to breathe, concentrate on a bodily sensation, or hear the rustling of the leaves outside. There is a concept known as the “fourth moment” in Buddhism.
The first instant is the past, the second moment is the present, and the third moment is the future. What then is the fourth instance? It’s a kind of timeless period in which we are free to completely inhabit the present without grasping or struggling. Time does not exist when we are fully present. Perhaps you’ve experienced this sensation briefly before, such as when you’re engrossed in an artistic endeavor, in a state of deep meditation, or in awe of the natural world.
The body serves as a portal to this fourth instant. People with a long background of trauma may not feel comfortable living in their bodies. That’s alright. By using our senses, such as those involved in creating art or listening to birds chirp, we can access the current moment through our bodies in other ways.
It’s reassuring to know that we don’t even have to attempt. The present is constantly in motion, developing, and living. We truly encounter ourselves in the moment when we let go of the desire to “try” to be present. May we access the fullness of this moment by drawing on the security and stillness of our present experience?
Reflection issues for the coming week
Get comfortable somewhere safe and quiet, make yourself a hot beverage, and take a journal and a pen. You could also decide to simply remain with these inquiries and observe what comes up.
- Let’s begin by entering the present. Write or acknowledge one object you can see, then hear, then smell, then taste, and finally feel or touch, if you have access to the five senses.
- What in your life currently causes you discomfort?
- What worries are associated with that? (What if this occurs?) If it’s safe for you, take a moment to reflect on this topic and take note of any physical sensations that come up. Simply something to observe; nothing to do.
- What aspects of this circumstance are in your control? What do you have no influence over?
- What aspects of living might be made a little softer right now? Where can stress, anxiety, and expectations be released?
I appreciate you being here. Thank you.
Here are some interesting reads from authors at Dancing Elephant Press
Read Allisonn Church’s story with photos about her tiny elephants
Or find some inspiration with Dr. Gabriella Korosi's post
