When we have other people in our lives, we often inherit their life dramas.
We want to be friendly and sympathetic, but other people’s emotional issues can be an obstacle to our having peace.
We don’t want to be cold and uncaring – we want to be helpful. But some people get all upset about really small stuff. Others are always victims and never seem to learn. Still others constantly fight with family members and want to tell you all the details. After they tell you about their problems they feel better, but you go home with a headache.
Emotional connections are important – they can make life worthwhile. Or they can leave us miserable and drained. The challenge is to keep that emotional connection to other people and not to their dramas. Your friend’s lack of peace doesn’t mean you can’t have peace.
Today, ask yourself whether your peace is affected by someone else’s drama.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Jan 30 Peace in the World
The concept of world peace is synonymous with an immense, insoluble problem.
We want peace, but it seems too overwhelming. We don’t know where to start to make it happen. We tend to believe that one person can’t make a difference and that only the policy makers can make a change.
But the governments of the world clearly don’t have a clue how to create peace. If they did, we wouldn’t be in the messes we’re in.
It is probably true that nations won’t have peace until you and I and the rest of us learn to have peace in our own lives. Then we can teach our governments how to do it.
We will have to insist that they do it – we will have to tell our governments they must create peace. If all of us insisted on peace the world would have it.
Granted, it is a big project. But I, for one, am weary of bickering, fighting, and power struggles, and I’m ready to see the world try something different. How about you?
We want peace, but it seems too overwhelming. We don’t know where to start to make it happen. We tend to believe that one person can’t make a difference and that only the policy makers can make a change.
But the governments of the world clearly don’t have a clue how to create peace. If they did, we wouldn’t be in the messes we’re in.
It is probably true that nations won’t have peace until you and I and the rest of us learn to have peace in our own lives. Then we can teach our governments how to do it.
We will have to insist that they do it – we will have to tell our governments they must create peace. If all of us insisted on peace the world would have it.
Granted, it is a big project. But I, for one, am weary of bickering, fighting, and power struggles, and I’m ready to see the world try something different. How about you?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Jan 29 Differences
Some people seem to think that the Creator made a mistake in making us all different. They work hard to correct that mistake, trying to make us all alike.
Many of us spend a lot of energy trying to measure up to someone else. But those who try to be just like someone else can’t be as good as the original. They can never be more than a good imitation.
If you’re trying to be someone else, you will miss an opportunity to find out who you can be, what you can do. The world will have to live without the contribution that could be made only by a person with your talents, abilities, and history. If you are trying to be someone else, nobody will ever be you.
Today, ask yourself this question: Am I trying to measure up to someone else?
Many of us spend a lot of energy trying to measure up to someone else. But those who try to be just like someone else can’t be as good as the original. They can never be more than a good imitation.
If you’re trying to be someone else, you will miss an opportunity to find out who you can be, what you can do. The world will have to live without the contribution that could be made only by a person with your talents, abilities, and history. If you are trying to be someone else, nobody will ever be you.
Today, ask yourself this question: Am I trying to measure up to someone else?
Monday, January 28, 2008
Jan 28 Regrets
Sometimes we have regrets about events in the past. We may regret things we did or things we didn’t do, and those past events continue to bother us. We wish the past had been different.
But regrets can be an obstacle to peace. Living with regrets reflects a lack of forgiveness - difficulty forgiving ourselves or forgiving others.
If you have regrets that keep you tied to the past, think about what you can do to let it go. What could you do to have peace on this issue?
Today, write a letter to a person in your past. Say what you need to say, do what you need to do, to let go of old events. You don’t have to mail the letter – if you prefer, you can tear it up and throw it away.
Then forgive yourself and the other person and let it go.
But regrets can be an obstacle to peace. Living with regrets reflects a lack of forgiveness - difficulty forgiving ourselves or forgiving others.
If you have regrets that keep you tied to the past, think about what you can do to let it go. What could you do to have peace on this issue?
Today, write a letter to a person in your past. Say what you need to say, do what you need to do, to let go of old events. You don’t have to mail the letter – if you prefer, you can tear it up and throw it away.
Then forgive yourself and the other person and let it go.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Jan 27 Laughter
Laughter is healing.
I have observed that people who are spiritually mature tend to have a marvelous sense of humor. I think it has something to do with the absence of fear, a perspective that life doesn't need to be tedious and grim, even when lousy things happen. It is probably true that anything really important should not be taken too seriously.
When we laugh we let go of what keeps us small, what keeps us bound up. This is not true of laughter at the expense of others – that kind of laughter is not healing for the soul. But we can laugh at our own situation. We can delight in the miracles that are all around us, at the surprises life can bring. If we can laugh at the craziness of the world it doesn’t have as much of a hold on us.
It is good to know how to play, but some adults don’t know how. They may know how to have fun, however, and that is almost as good.
Peace involves feeling good, and laughter makes us feel good.
Today, do something that makes you laugh.
I have observed that people who are spiritually mature tend to have a marvelous sense of humor. I think it has something to do with the absence of fear, a perspective that life doesn't need to be tedious and grim, even when lousy things happen. It is probably true that anything really important should not be taken too seriously.
When we laugh we let go of what keeps us small, what keeps us bound up. This is not true of laughter at the expense of others – that kind of laughter is not healing for the soul. But we can laugh at our own situation. We can delight in the miracles that are all around us, at the surprises life can bring. If we can laugh at the craziness of the world it doesn’t have as much of a hold on us.
It is good to know how to play, but some adults don’t know how. They may know how to have fun, however, and that is almost as good.
Peace involves feeling good, and laughter makes us feel good.
Today, do something that makes you laugh.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Jan 26 Defining Peace
What would it mean to live in peace?
If we want to create peace in our lives, we need to have a realistic idea of what it means.
It doesn’t mean a life free of problems, a life of constant calm. It doesn’t mean we have everything we want. It doesn’t mean that everyone always agrees with everyone else. If that is the idea people have of what it means to live in peace, it’s no wonder we think peace is impossible.
We all have moments of peace in our lives now. The goal would be to have more moments, to have peaceful moments come more easily.
It would mean that in those moments when we are not in peace, we know what to do to bring it back.
It would mean that our surroundings – our lives, our job, the people around us – mostly contribute to our having peace.
Living in peace is not unattainable, not hopelessly distant. You have already done it at times, and you can do it again. It is not an impossible dream.
If we want to create peace in our lives, we need to have a realistic idea of what it means.
It doesn’t mean a life free of problems, a life of constant calm. It doesn’t mean we have everything we want. It doesn’t mean that everyone always agrees with everyone else. If that is the idea people have of what it means to live in peace, it’s no wonder we think peace is impossible.
We all have moments of peace in our lives now. The goal would be to have more moments, to have peaceful moments come more easily.
It would mean that in those moments when we are not in peace, we know what to do to bring it back.
It would mean that our surroundings – our lives, our job, the people around us – mostly contribute to our having peace.
Living in peace is not unattainable, not hopelessly distant. You have already done it at times, and you can do it again. It is not an impossible dream.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Jan 25 (for dreamers only)
What would peace be in a perfect world?
What has the world never seen that would contribute to peace?
The world needs dreamers. If we had no dreamers, how would anything ever get better?
Today, think about something totally impractical, totally impossible, that would make the world a more peaceful place. Don’t let anyone discourage you (you don’t have to tell another soul what you are thinking about). Pretend you are living in that world. What would it be like?
What would it take to make that impossible world possible?
What has the world never seen that would contribute to peace?
The world needs dreamers. If we had no dreamers, how would anything ever get better?
Today, think about something totally impractical, totally impossible, that would make the world a more peaceful place. Don’t let anyone discourage you (you don’t have to tell another soul what you are thinking about). Pretend you are living in that world. What would it be like?
What would it take to make that impossible world possible?
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Jan 24 The Winner Ladder
In this society, we value strength and winning. For many, life is like a sports tournament. The measure of someone’s success and worth is judged by their position on what I call the Winner Ladder.
For those on a Winner Ladder, everyone else on the ladder is either above or below. They must compete with others to keep their position, to avoid being a loser.
Their position – their “worth” – is always at risk. Someone or something could take it away.
Some people thrive on the Winner Ladder. But for others, fear of being a loser, not measuring up, is a cause of anxiety and an obstacle to peace.
We may think that this ladder is a given – it is just how things are. But the Winner Ladder is not set in stone. It is not in our DNA. There are alternatives to the Winner Ladder, other ways of looking at our lives, of deciding whether we are a success.
Today, consider whether you have a Winner Ladder in any aspect of your life. If you do, does it add to your peace or detract from it?
For those on a Winner Ladder, everyone else on the ladder is either above or below. They must compete with others to keep their position, to avoid being a loser.
Their position – their “worth” – is always at risk. Someone or something could take it away.
Some people thrive on the Winner Ladder. But for others, fear of being a loser, not measuring up, is a cause of anxiety and an obstacle to peace.
We may think that this ladder is a given – it is just how things are. But the Winner Ladder is not set in stone. It is not in our DNA. There are alternatives to the Winner Ladder, other ways of looking at our lives, of deciding whether we are a success.
Today, consider whether you have a Winner Ladder in any aspect of your life. If you do, does it add to your peace or detract from it?
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Jan 23 Peace is Strength
Many believe that peace is weakness, but it is not.
Those who would live a life of peace must have strength:
strength to walk away from a pointless argument,
strength to walk away from small minds and unimportant issues,
strength to create their own arena of peace in an insane world.
It takes determination to find peace in a world that does not value peace, that values only winning and views other people only as competition.
When they are accused of being weak for choosing peace, it takes a strong person to simply smile and walk away.
Those who would live a life of peace must have strength:
strength to walk away from a pointless argument,
strength to walk away from small minds and unimportant issues,
strength to create their own arena of peace in an insane world.
It takes determination to find peace in a world that does not value peace, that values only winning and views other people only as competition.
When they are accused of being weak for choosing peace, it takes a strong person to simply smile and walk away.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Jan 22 Nature
Many people find peace in nature.
Being connected to the earth can be a source of healing. When we lose that connection we lose a source of peace.
In nature we can find a place to be away from frantic human activity, a respite from noise and commotion, from traffic and advertising.
Is there a place in nature you can go to feel at peace?
If you like to garden, is there a place you can grow something?
Think of a place on the earth near you that is beautiful – a lake or a park, or a quiet garden. If possible, find a place where you can walk with bare feet on the grass or the beach.
Today, find a place on the earth that brings you peace.
Being connected to the earth can be a source of healing. When we lose that connection we lose a source of peace.
In nature we can find a place to be away from frantic human activity, a respite from noise and commotion, from traffic and advertising.
Is there a place in nature you can go to feel at peace?
If you like to garden, is there a place you can grow something?
Think of a place on the earth near you that is beautiful – a lake or a park, or a quiet garden. If possible, find a place where you can walk with bare feet on the grass or the beach.
Today, find a place on the earth that brings you peace.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Jan 21 Fighting
What would happen if you walked away from a fight?
Would other people say you were weak?
Would you be ashamed?
Would you be a loser?
We worship strength and we worship winning. We admire those who never give up. But if we never, ever give up, that means we fight battles that take all our energy. We fight battles that we cannot possibly win. We fight battles over unimportant things.
Sometimes we fight battles not because they matter, but because of what other people will think, or because of what we will think of ourselves.
In this society, strength and winning are the highest value. But fighting has a cost.
The next time you are faced with a fight, ask yourself this question:
Is this fight really worth my time and energy?
Would other people say you were weak?
Would you be ashamed?
Would you be a loser?
We worship strength and we worship winning. We admire those who never give up. But if we never, ever give up, that means we fight battles that take all our energy. We fight battles that we cannot possibly win. We fight battles over unimportant things.
Sometimes we fight battles not because they matter, but because of what other people will think, or because of what we will think of ourselves.
In this society, strength and winning are the highest value. But fighting has a cost.
The next time you are faced with a fight, ask yourself this question:
Is this fight really worth my time and energy?
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Jan 20 Creating Peace
Sometimes peace is a decision. One way to have peace is to stop whatever you are doing and be thankful for something you already have. For a moment, appreciate what nature provides – the sunshine, the rain, the beauty of the snowfall. Enjoy the little things - the way your child smiles, the taste of a strawberry. You may be thankful for your home or your spouse.
You can still aspire to greater gifts while you appreciate what you have now.
If you spend some time appreciating the beauty and the miracles in your life, you may be surprised at how your feelings change.
Today, look around you and find one thing to appreciate.
You can still aspire to greater gifts while you appreciate what you have now.
If you spend some time appreciating the beauty and the miracles in your life, you may be surprised at how your feelings change.
Today, look around you and find one thing to appreciate.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Jan 19 Follow Your Bliss
My general formula for my students is "Follow your bliss." Find where it is, and don't be afraid to follow it. . . . if you do follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. When you can see that, you begin to meet people who are in your field of bliss, and they open doors to you. I say, follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be.
Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth
Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth
Friday, January 18, 2008
Jan 18 Anxiety
In this era of change, with so much uncertainty, many of us feel anxious. But anxiety is an obstacle to peace. Reducing anxiety may be the single most effective thing that people can do to have peace in their lives.
There are ways to manage anxiety. You may have one that works for you. One I have found effective is EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique.
This is a new technique based on the ancient Chinese healing technique of acupuncture. The Chinese use needles, but EFT needs no equipment - it involves tapping on the energy meridians of the body. And you don’t need an expert; you can do it yourself.
I have seen some amazing things happen as people find relief from longstanding issues, both physical and emotional, as well as resolving new problems.
Today check out the EFT website. Watch the video and download the free manual.
There are ways to manage anxiety. You may have one that works for you. One I have found effective is EFT, Emotional Freedom Technique.
This is a new technique based on the ancient Chinese healing technique of acupuncture. The Chinese use needles, but EFT needs no equipment - it involves tapping on the energy meridians of the body. And you don’t need an expert; you can do it yourself.
I have seen some amazing things happen as people find relief from longstanding issues, both physical and emotional, as well as resolving new problems.
Today check out the EFT website. Watch the video and download the free manual.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Jan 17 Change
Some life changes are better made gradually. Rather than big, dramatic changes, we may do well to make smaller changes, step by step. Smaller changes are less stressful, and a gradual pace allows us to modify our plans when necessary. Incremental changes also allow others around us to adjust to the changes in us. They have to deal with our changes also, and if we can make it easier for them, it is easier for us.
If we want peace in our lives, we can start by making small changes.
Remember that small changes done over time can make a big difference in us and in our world.
Today, give yourself a pat on the back for the small changes that you have made in your life that made it better.
If we want peace in our lives, we can start by making small changes.
Remember that small changes done over time can make a big difference in us and in our world.
Today, give yourself a pat on the back for the small changes that you have made in your life that made it better.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Jan 16 Clutter
If many of us have too much clutter in our homes, we also have cluttered schedules. We are busy, but some of our activities are of little benefit.
We end up with cluttered schedules in much the same way that we end up with cluttered homes. We get into an activity, a scheduled obligation, because it seems rewarding. We believe it will be worth our time. Some activities were valuable at first but are no longer worth the time and energy. Others never accomplished what we hoped they would accomplish, but we keep doing them anyway. Maybe we keep doing them out of inertia, or out of fear of hurting someone’s feelings. Maybe we think that something will change and any day now, if we only keep doing it, it will be worthwhile. Or maybe we keep busy to avoid a feeling of emptiness or to keep from having to face some issue.
Take a few minutes to look at your schedule. Are there any activities that are not worth your time and energy? Any activities that do not contribute to having peace in your life? What could you do without? What could you do less often?
Today, let go of anything on your schedule that is unnecessary.
We end up with cluttered schedules in much the same way that we end up with cluttered homes. We get into an activity, a scheduled obligation, because it seems rewarding. We believe it will be worth our time. Some activities were valuable at first but are no longer worth the time and energy. Others never accomplished what we hoped they would accomplish, but we keep doing them anyway. Maybe we keep doing them out of inertia, or out of fear of hurting someone’s feelings. Maybe we think that something will change and any day now, if we only keep doing it, it will be worthwhile. Or maybe we keep busy to avoid a feeling of emptiness or to keep from having to face some issue.
Take a few minutes to look at your schedule. Are there any activities that are not worth your time and energy? Any activities that do not contribute to having peace in your life? What could you do without? What could you do less often?
Today, let go of anything on your schedule that is unnecessary.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Jan 15 Peace in the Family
Peace is contagious, and peace in the family starts with you.
You may believe it is a luxury to take time for yourself, a luxury you can’t afford. But if you want your children to learn to live in peace, the best way is to show them, to live in peace yourself. Even if they are grown, they still learn from you – more from what you do than from what you say.
So, take time to take care of yourself. Do what you need to do to have peace in your life. Make peace a priority.
This is a legacy we can leave our children and grandchildren. In this world, they will learn how to fight, how to argue, and how to compete. Where will they learn to live in peace if not from us?
You may believe it is a luxury to take time for yourself, a luxury you can’t afford. But if you want your children to learn to live in peace, the best way is to show them, to live in peace yourself. Even if they are grown, they still learn from you – more from what you do than from what you say.
So, take time to take care of yourself. Do what you need to do to have peace in your life. Make peace a priority.
This is a legacy we can leave our children and grandchildren. In this world, they will learn how to fight, how to argue, and how to compete. Where will they learn to live in peace if not from us?
Monday, January 14, 2008
Jan 14 Creating Your Life
What do you really want in your life? Too many people are afraid to ask themselves this question, afraid to hope for too much so they won’t be disappointed. But if you don’t know what you want, how can you ever get it?
So, what is it that you really want? Right now, don’t worry about how it can come to you. Spend some time thinking about what you would really like to have in your life. Dream big. Don’t be afraid to imagine yourself with the life of your dreams.
Magic can happen when we decide what we want and keep it in our focus. If we live in the reality we want, we become comfortable with it. When opportunities come along, we do not worry about taking advantage of them, because we have seen ourselves in that new reality.
Today, decide what you really want in your life.
So, what is it that you really want? Right now, don’t worry about how it can come to you. Spend some time thinking about what you would really like to have in your life. Dream big. Don’t be afraid to imagine yourself with the life of your dreams.
Magic can happen when we decide what we want and keep it in our focus. If we live in the reality we want, we become comfortable with it. When opportunities come along, we do not worry about taking advantage of them, because we have seen ourselves in that new reality.
Today, decide what you really want in your life.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Jan 13 Peace is Contagious
Peace is contagious. You can get it from other people and other people can get it from you. You know that other people affect you. When you are with anxious people they can be wearing. After a while you feel drained, as if they took something from you.
When you are with people who are at peace they radiate calm which can be felt by others. People like to be around them.
Did you ever reflect that you affect other people who are around you? How you act and how you feel are contagious also.
What kind of effect would you like to have on other people?
Today, think about how you want to affect others and what it would take to become that person.
When you are with people who are at peace they radiate calm which can be felt by others. People like to be around them.
Did you ever reflect that you affect other people who are around you? How you act and how you feel are contagious also.
What kind of effect would you like to have on other people?
Today, think about how you want to affect others and what it would take to become that person.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Jan 12 Fighting
As a society, we are addicted to fighting. Whenever we encounter something we don’t want or don’t like we feel obliged to fight it. We believe we have only two choices: to fight or to be a victim.
And sometimes fighting is necessary. Sometimes you need to fight in order to have peace in one area of your life. But sometimes we fight when it doesn’t make sense. We fight so that others won’t think we are weak. We fight for entertainment or out of boredom. We fight even when fighting is harmful to us – the very definition of an addictive behavior. Sometimes, many times, fighting is an obstacle to peace.
Like all addictions, we can only give it up when we can replace it with something else. Learning alternatives to fighting can be a path to peace.
Today, think about what you fight against.
And sometimes fighting is necessary. Sometimes you need to fight in order to have peace in one area of your life. But sometimes we fight when it doesn’t make sense. We fight so that others won’t think we are weak. We fight for entertainment or out of boredom. We fight even when fighting is harmful to us – the very definition of an addictive behavior. Sometimes, many times, fighting is an obstacle to peace.
Like all addictions, we can only give it up when we can replace it with something else. Learning alternatives to fighting can be a path to peace.
Today, think about what you fight against.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Jan 11 Meditation
One traditional way to find peace is through meditation. If you have never tried meditation it may seem daunting. We are not accustomed to taking time to be silent, and many people find it difficult to sit still. They find their mind racing or simply feel silly just sitting there.
But meditation has many rewards. It has been shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure and other aspects of physical health, but it also has psychological and spiritual benefits. It can disconnect us from the busy, superficial things that take our time and our mental energy, and give us a new perspective. When we separate our thoughts from what is around us, we are reminded that we have choices. We are not victims of our surroundings.
You can look at meditation as the other side of prayer. While prayer is often understood as speaking to God, meditation is listening for answers.
Today, sit quietly, with your eyes closed, for three minutes.
But meditation has many rewards. It has been shown to have a positive effect on blood pressure and other aspects of physical health, but it also has psychological and spiritual benefits. It can disconnect us from the busy, superficial things that take our time and our mental energy, and give us a new perspective. When we separate our thoughts from what is around us, we are reminded that we have choices. We are not victims of our surroundings.
You can look at meditation as the other side of prayer. While prayer is often understood as speaking to God, meditation is listening for answers.
Today, sit quietly, with your eyes closed, for three minutes.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Jan 10 Clutter
Most of us have lives filled with clutter. We have things that we don’t really need and rarely use. We rent storage areas to hold the things our homes cannot hold.
We buy things, believing we need them or they will make us happy, but eventually they take up space and need to be dusted or oiled or walked around.
In the short run, things may seem to make us happy. In the long run, they usually don’t. Sometimes it isn’t clear whether we own our things or our things own us.
Letting go of objects can be difficult, but rewarding. Once the decision is made to get rid of them, it can be a freeing feeling, a feeling of being lighter, less bogged down.
Today, find one thing you want to get rid of. Start a pile of things to give away.
We buy things, believing we need them or they will make us happy, but eventually they take up space and need to be dusted or oiled or walked around.
In the short run, things may seem to make us happy. In the long run, they usually don’t. Sometimes it isn’t clear whether we own our things or our things own us.
Letting go of objects can be difficult, but rewarding. Once the decision is made to get rid of them, it can be a freeing feeling, a feeling of being lighter, less bogged down.
Today, find one thing you want to get rid of. Start a pile of things to give away.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Jan 9 Sense and Nonsense
In this world there is a whole lot of nonsense. What if each of us decided to live a life that made sense?
A life of simplicity in a chaotic world
Quiet assurance in a hectic, frantic crowd
Wisdom in a world of shallow silliness
Truth in a world of lies and deception
We could do it, you know, you and I. We could just start being sane and let the silly insane world go on without us.
We do a lot of idiotic things because we live in a crazy world. What if we decided to ignore the inanity and be sane? Wouldn’t that drive them crazier?
Today do one sane and reasonable thing. If someone else freaks out, just smile.
A life of simplicity in a chaotic world
Quiet assurance in a hectic, frantic crowd
Wisdom in a world of shallow silliness
Truth in a world of lies and deception
We could do it, you know, you and I. We could just start being sane and let the silly insane world go on without us.
We do a lot of idiotic things because we live in a crazy world. What if we decided to ignore the inanity and be sane? Wouldn’t that drive them crazier?
Today do one sane and reasonable thing. If someone else freaks out, just smile.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Jan 8 Change
What have you outgrown?
We think of children growing in stages, outgrowing old clothes, old toys, and old ways of acting. We tend to think that when we become adults we stop growing and remain the same for the rest of our lives. But in fact adults grow and change also. What we need at one time may no longer be what we need years later. Like children, we outgrow old ways of behaving and thinking.
This can be a problem for others around us who want us to stay the same. They may prefer that we stay in the same patterns. They want us to be predictable.
You may feel as if you are stuck in patterns of behavior from the past that no longer serve you. In fact you may have outgrown some elements of your life.
One of the gifts of growing older is the wisdom gained from living. In order to grow in wisdom and understanding it may be necessary to give up what you have outgrown.
Today, ask yourself whether you have outgrown anything in the life you are living now.
We think of children growing in stages, outgrowing old clothes, old toys, and old ways of acting. We tend to think that when we become adults we stop growing and remain the same for the rest of our lives. But in fact adults grow and change also. What we need at one time may no longer be what we need years later. Like children, we outgrow old ways of behaving and thinking.
This can be a problem for others around us who want us to stay the same. They may prefer that we stay in the same patterns. They want us to be predictable.
You may feel as if you are stuck in patterns of behavior from the past that no longer serve you. In fact you may have outgrown some elements of your life.
One of the gifts of growing older is the wisdom gained from living. In order to grow in wisdom and understanding it may be necessary to give up what you have outgrown.
Today, ask yourself whether you have outgrown anything in the life you are living now.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Jan 7 Peace on the Job
Many of us, maybe even most of us, are employed doing work that has no meaning to us.
It is so common that we don’t really think about it, except to make occasional jokes about the pointlessness of our jobs.
This takes a toll on our lives and affects our relationships and our ability to live in peace.
Many people holding such jobs will say that they have no choice. And perhaps this is true. But perhaps it is not true. Stories abound of people who left jobs they didn’t find satisfying and changed their lifestyles. If they make a lower salary at their new job, they have traded more money for the chance to love what they do all day or a chance to spend more time with their families, or simply to get away from the insanity, to slow down the pace of their lives.
Today, think about the answer to this question: If you are currently employed, do you find meaning in your job?
It is so common that we don’t really think about it, except to make occasional jokes about the pointlessness of our jobs.
This takes a toll on our lives and affects our relationships and our ability to live in peace.
Many people holding such jobs will say that they have no choice. And perhaps this is true. But perhaps it is not true. Stories abound of people who left jobs they didn’t find satisfying and changed their lifestyles. If they make a lower salary at their new job, they have traded more money for the chance to love what they do all day or a chance to spend more time with their families, or simply to get away from the insanity, to slow down the pace of their lives.
Today, think about the answer to this question: If you are currently employed, do you find meaning in your job?
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Jan 6 Living in the Present
Many of us live in the past. We hang onto old issues, replaying them in our minds.
We think about things we should have done and things we shouldn’t have done, what we wish had happened, or what we lost. We may be angry at ourselves or at other people, making plans to get even, to show them a thing or two. We may be stuck on “if only” – if only something had not happened, if we had made another choice, everything would be fine.
It is important to learn from the past – we don’t want to make the same mistakes over and over again. But, as the saying goes, the past is a nice place to visit, but you don’t want to live there. You can’t have peace now if you are living in the past. If you want to have peace now, you have to be present in this moment. Even if a past event is a pleasant one, it is gone. You can create other wonderful moments, but only if you focus on your life now.
Today, think of one past event, good or bad, that you hang onto. For five minutes, let go of it.
We think about things we should have done and things we shouldn’t have done, what we wish had happened, or what we lost. We may be angry at ourselves or at other people, making plans to get even, to show them a thing or two. We may be stuck on “if only” – if only something had not happened, if we had made another choice, everything would be fine.
It is important to learn from the past – we don’t want to make the same mistakes over and over again. But, as the saying goes, the past is a nice place to visit, but you don’t want to live there. You can’t have peace now if you are living in the past. If you want to have peace now, you have to be present in this moment. Even if a past event is a pleasant one, it is gone. You can create other wonderful moments, but only if you focus on your life now.
Today, think of one past event, good or bad, that you hang onto. For five minutes, let go of it.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Jan 5 Peace and the Senses
All the senses affect us, and all our senses can help us find peace.
Scent is important. An aroma can evoke feelings, good or bad, and can contribute to our feeling fearful or at peace.
Scents can call up memories of early events and bring back the feelings of another time. The smell of bread baking does this for me. My grandfather was a baker, and when I was young we would visit him at work. He would take a loaf of just-baked bread from the cooling room, bring out a stick of butter, and we would have a wonderful treat. To this day, the smell of bread baking brings back those memories for me.
There are many ways to experience scents that make you go “aaah”. Flavored coffee and tea have a soothing aroma. Scented candles and oils can bring fragrance to your home. For a fast way to have great smells coming from your kitchen, you can buy refrigerated cookie dough and bake some cookies.
Do you have pleasant memories of wonderful smells? Or is there a scent that just makes you feel relaxed?
Today, experience a scent that makes you feel peaceful.
Scent is important. An aroma can evoke feelings, good or bad, and can contribute to our feeling fearful or at peace.
Scents can call up memories of early events and bring back the feelings of another time. The smell of bread baking does this for me. My grandfather was a baker, and when I was young we would visit him at work. He would take a loaf of just-baked bread from the cooling room, bring out a stick of butter, and we would have a wonderful treat. To this day, the smell of bread baking brings back those memories for me.
There are many ways to experience scents that make you go “aaah”. Flavored coffee and tea have a soothing aroma. Scented candles and oils can bring fragrance to your home. For a fast way to have great smells coming from your kitchen, you can buy refrigerated cookie dough and bake some cookies.
Do you have pleasant memories of wonderful smells? Or is there a scent that just makes you feel relaxed?
Today, experience a scent that makes you feel peaceful.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Jan 4 Creating Peace
What is in your life now that promotes peace?
What are you already doing that helps you find peace?
Do you live in a peaceful home? Do you have supportive friends and family?
What do you have that adds to your peace?
We all have some aspects of peace in our lives. Some of those peaceful aspects we had to work for. Maybe you have to work hard at a job that pays the bills. Maybe you have harmonious family or friend relationships that you work to maintain. Or perhaps you made an effort to live in a peaceful place.
Other things in our lives that promote peace are just there. We didn’t have to struggle for them – they are gifts. Some people have a peaceful, calm disposition. If you are one of those people, you are fortunate. Or maybe you have someone like that in your life. Maybe you have a talent, such as playing music, that brings you peace. Maybe you love to garden. You probably have at least one thing in your life that adds to peace.
Today, take some time to be thankful for the things in your life that bring you peace.
What are you already doing that helps you find peace?
Do you live in a peaceful home? Do you have supportive friends and family?
What do you have that adds to your peace?
We all have some aspects of peace in our lives. Some of those peaceful aspects we had to work for. Maybe you have to work hard at a job that pays the bills. Maybe you have harmonious family or friend relationships that you work to maintain. Or perhaps you made an effort to live in a peaceful place.
Other things in our lives that promote peace are just there. We didn’t have to struggle for them – they are gifts. Some people have a peaceful, calm disposition. If you are one of those people, you are fortunate. Or maybe you have someone like that in your life. Maybe you have a talent, such as playing music, that brings you peace. Maybe you love to garden. You probably have at least one thing in your life that adds to peace.
Today, take some time to be thankful for the things in your life that bring you peace.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Jan 3 Creating Peace
You can create your own version of peace. In fact, you are the only one who can do it. Nobody else can create it for you. But to create peace you need to have some idea of what you want.
What does peace mean to you? Is peace about being less busy and frantic? An end to fighting in your family? About less noise? Less worry? Or does it mean an end to war between nations? Living in harmony with the earth?
What does it mean for you?
Can you think of three things peace means to you? What exactly would be different if you had peace?
This may be a new thought for you. If this is something you have not thought of before, you may not be able to come up with three ideas. Don’t worry about it. You may find that answers come to you over time.
Today, imagine how your life would be different if you had peace.
What does peace mean to you? Is peace about being less busy and frantic? An end to fighting in your family? About less noise? Less worry? Or does it mean an end to war between nations? Living in harmony with the earth?
What does it mean for you?
Can you think of three things peace means to you? What exactly would be different if you had peace?
This may be a new thought for you. If this is something you have not thought of before, you may not be able to come up with three ideas. Don’t worry about it. You may find that answers come to you over time.
Today, imagine how your life would be different if you had peace.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Jan 2 Creating Peace
What does peace mean to you? What would it mean for you to have peace in your life?
Who would you be if you were at peace?
What would you do?
People find peace in different ways. We are not all the same, so we don’t have the same ideas about peace.
This blog will have suggestions, one each day for a year. Some ideas will work for you; others won’t. They won’t all fit you or your situation, but some of them might. Try the ones that look promising and ignore the ones that don’t speak to you.
You can read them in order, one every day or all at once. You can read them backwards or pick one at random. They are all suggestions, not the final answer. They can provide some ideas for the next step on your journey towards peace.
I wish you happiness and freedom on that journey.
Who would you be if you were at peace?
What would you do?
People find peace in different ways. We are not all the same, so we don’t have the same ideas about peace.
This blog will have suggestions, one each day for a year. Some ideas will work for you; others won’t. They won’t all fit you or your situation, but some of them might. Try the ones that look promising and ignore the ones that don’t speak to you.
You can read them in order, one every day or all at once. You can read them backwards or pick one at random. They are all suggestions, not the final answer. They can provide some ideas for the next step on your journey towards peace.
I wish you happiness and freedom on that journey.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Jan 1 Peace is Possible
You can have peace in your life.
You don’t have to make dramatic changes. You don’t have to be someone else. You don’t need to live someone else’s life. You can live your own life, only better.
You don’t have to be smarter or more educated or richer.
You can be yourself and have more peace. You might even be more yourself than you have ever been before.
Surely it would be easier to live in peace than to be always struggling. It shouldn’t have to be complicated.
Peace is possible.
Peace is possible for you.
You don’t have to make dramatic changes. You don’t have to be someone else. You don’t need to live someone else’s life. You can live your own life, only better.
You don’t have to be smarter or more educated or richer.
You can be yourself and have more peace. You might even be more yourself than you have ever been before.
Surely it would be easier to live in peace than to be always struggling. It shouldn’t have to be complicated.
Peace is possible.
Peace is possible for you.
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