Finding Peace

By Margene Nelson, LPC, LADC

Christine Baranski, the TV and Stage Actress, says in her article in “Spry Living,” that her goal is “to maintain and quiet center.” Many of us are overwhelmed and feel as though the world isn’t a safe place.” What makes it feel that way is the constant cacophony of news, political chatter and sense of unrest in the world, bombarding us from all sides. It’s on TV, in the break room at work, on social media, and even at church. Everyone has an opinion. Just the mention of the “P-word” (politics) causes agitation and strife.It has even started wars.

So where can we find solace? On a mountain top? Or the ocean? Somewhere far and away from all the noise? We can find peace in those places, but they’re not always accessible for most of us. We may know what works for us personally: a walk in the park, a bubble bath, our favorite music, but, what if we can’t get there in certain moments when we are feeling overwhelmed? So where do we find that quiet center? How can we find solace?

Amidst the hubbub, we can find our center. How, you say? Stop for a moment and slow down, breathe deeply, meditate or pray, if you will. Be mindful of who you are, where you are and go within. It’s there for each of us, anytime, anywhere, and underneath any mood. Quietness is available, patiently waiting for us to return to our center. There we can listen to the “Still, small voice” of God that guides us towards goodness and towards peace.

Wars are fought on the battlefield, but they start within, when we let the clamor from the outside invade our still, quiet, peaceful place within.Once we find that sacred place, we can make more rational choices because we’re making decisions from a peaceful place rather than a chaotic one.We can be kinder to ourselves and kinder to others.We can let others “be.”We are not reacting to our circumstances.

World peace? It begins within. Practice going to your peaceful place.