I think we can all agree that we are living in uncertain times, conflict, and division. And as such, the pursuit of personal peace is paramount to resilience. Personal peace is not a noble pursuit, it is essential for our health, well-being, and optimal executive functioning.
You might snarl and ask, “What do you mean by peace? How can we be peaceful when everywhere we look there are wars of words, ideologies, and cultures?”
“Peace is the opposite of dreaming. It’s built slowly and surely through brutal compromises and tiny victories that you don’t even see. It’s a messy business, bringing peace into the world.”—Bono
Here is the paradox of peace: peace begins from inside of us. It is impossible to foster peace if we are at odds with ourselves. The most peaceful (and altruistically prosperous) people are those who have done the inner work of wrestling with their personal demons and resolved to create unshakeable inner stability.
Resilience is an act of peace.
Courage is an act of peace.
Hope is an act of peace.
Empathy, compassion, and respect are acts of peace.
Leading by positive example is an act of peace.
Non-violent communication is an act of peace.
Constructive conflict resolution is an act of peace.
Mindfulness practices that ground us here and now are acts of peace.
Think about this for a long minute.
Peace is not the absence of chaos and conflict. Peace is the presence of personal sanity and stability while in pursuit of justice, equality, and well-being for all… despite external tumult.
We cannot be truly and fully at peace without social cohesion, human rights, and our basic needs being met. And that is a tall order for humanity.
However, without peace-making being a character strength, it cannot and will not be achievable for the greater good.
Like what you’re reading? Want more consciously prepared brain food about this topic?
Listen to this Harvesting Happiness episode: Zen in the Chaos: Nurturing Inner Peace Amid Modern Turbulence with Oren Jay Sofer or wherever you get your podcasts.
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