Peace of Mind
Are you one of those who longed for peace and calm to stay in your heart and mind?
Then, you are not alone. In this fast-paced world, fueled by technological advancement, owning some peace of mind has become so elusive to many. Yet, it’s an essential thing we need to possess for our well-being. It is a journey of self-discovery, of making a conscious effort and being consistent to achieve it.
Here are some of the things we can do to find the peace within:
Be mindful.
Most days, we simply doomscroll on our mobile phones. And when we doomscroll, we mostly consume negative stuff – the bad news, which is increasing daily. The antidote? Be mindful. Instead of allowing our minds and hearts to be exposed to negativities, mindfulness helps us to anchor ourselves in the positive.
Being mindful can be as simple as relishing the taste of the food we eat. Perhaps, “tasting by smell” the aroma of coffee, which instantly makes coffee lovers happy. Or we can feel the sun on our skin, or even hear the sound of our breathing.
Disconnect to Connect.
It may be true that we need social media to connect with family and friends. But the constant notifications, endless scrolling, and social media comparisons create a state of perpetual stimulation and anxiety. By all means, take regular breaks from technology and allow your mind to rest and reset. Disconnect digitally and connect to yourself within. Spending time in nature, whether it’s a walk in the park, a hike in the mountains, or even just spending some time in your garden, will have a calming effect on your nervous system. There is a more wonderful world beyond our screens. Believe it or not, this reconnection with the inner self provides a much-needed sense of perspective and tranquility.
Set Health Boundaries.
There is wisdom in saying “no.” Much of our mental turmoil stems from overcommitment and the inability to be firm in saying “no.” Honestly, taking on more than we can logically handle will lead to burnout and being overwhelmed. Do not fear disappointing others or missing out on opportunities. Set healthy boundaries. Knowing how to respectfully decline requests that drain our energy is an act of self-care that we deserve. By saying “no”, we free up time and mental space and allows us to focus on activities that truly brings us joy and rest. Establish clear boundaries with work, family, and social commitments. No, it is not selfish; it is a necessary step to protect our inner peace.
Cultivate Gratitude.
Cultivating gratitude can profoundly shift our perspective from one of lack to one of abundance. In our constant pursuit of more, we often overlook the blessings we already have. A simple daily practice of listing three things we are grateful for can rewire our brains to focus on the positive aspects of our lives. Of course, we don’t ignore life’s challenges; rather, we acknowledge that even amidst difficulties, there are sources of light. Gratitude fosters a sense of contentment and reduces the feeling of being unsatisfied, which is a major obstacle to peace of mind.
Pray and Meditate.
In whatever you do, never forget God. In the bible, His name is Jehovah. Talking to him every day would give your heart the peace and calm that comes from Him alone. At Philippians 4:7, we read that when we supplicate, “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.” Gaining this “peace of God” however, which is the true kind peace one can ever possess, cannot be achieved overnight. It is a gift from Jehovah God himself when we have built a close relationship with him.
Achieving peace of mind is not about eliminating all stress or challenges from our lives – an impossible thing to achieve in this imperfect lifetime. It is about building a fortress of resilience and calm within ourselves so that external storms do not shatter our inner harmony. By consistently practicing mindfulness, reconnecting with the inner self, setting healthy boundaries, cultivating gratitude, and building a close relationship with Jehovah God, we can create a sustainable path toward a life of profound peace and lasting contentment.