This Month's Article:
"Peaceful Mind, Peace on Earth" (part 1)
by Connie Habash
Originally written for the holiday season, I felt that this article would be a great way for all of us to start out our new year... with a more peaceful mind. Share with anyone you'd like to bless with ease, and a more open heart.
~ Connie
"Peace on Earth" is a familiar refrain during the holiday season. It's a shared sentiment among cultures, religions, and spiritual paths. We'd all like to see peace come to our planet. Yet, from tension in the line at the bank, to arguments with our spouses, to military campaigns, we still don't see the harmony we'd like to in our world. There's much to be done before we will experience peace in our world.
The truth is that peace in our world starts with each of us developing peace in our own minds and hearts. We know that this is not an easy task. Yet, until we as individuals become more loving, understanding, and at ease within, we will continue to see violence and conflict between cultures, creeds, and countries. When enough individuals change their own inner state, we'll see the outer states getting along more harmoniously.
Interestingly, we hear the most about Peace on Earth during a time in the United States when we may be the most stressed out, impatient, and lonely - the holiday season. Although the meaning of the holidays is intended to bring about love, joy, and harmony, the evolution of “Christmastime” (which in the sense I am referring to isn’t a religious holiday) in the U.S. has turned it into a high-pressure, high consumption cultural event.
As we embark upon a new year, we all could use some simple reminders to help us embody the spirit of good will and happiness that the holidays intend to invoke. I've compiled a number of ideas for you to turn those moments of loneliness or the frustration of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic into an opportunity to find more inner peace and joy. Although simple, these practices aren't necessarily easy to do. But if you can apply them even a little, I'm certain you will feel calmer in your mind and more open in your heart. Bit by bit, our personal efforts will go a long way towards bringing peace to our world.
1) Be present
It's common to fall into the mental agitation of worry about getting everything you need to get done right now. Our minds are often racing around, thinking about packages to be sent, worrying about how we'll pay for gifts let alone the gas bill, or seeking a new job in the new year. Stop for a moment and simply breathe. Listen to the sounds and look around. See what's right here, right now. Be in this moment for a few more breaths, and observe how it feels. Give yourself space between this moment and anything in the future (or past), and notice the mind slowing down.
2) Let Go of Attachment to Outcome
The holiday season is full of great expectations, and so are “new year’s resolutions”. If we practice letting go of expecting anything, we can accept more easily and graciously what we receive, and our mind relaxes. Go to the holiday party open to whatever arises. Let go of the need to receive any particular gift, or any particular praise when giving one. Return to your work after the holidays with responsiveness to what is, rather than expectation of anything. Be open to whatever happens. When you're in this space, you can enjoy something fun without needing it to last, and you can let go more easily of disappointments.
3) Open to Possibilities
Sometimes the best gifts are ones that we never expected. You might receive something even better than you had imagined in your life. Rather than cling to what you think you should have and push away anything that doesn't measure up, consider the idea that there's more possible out there than you can conceive of right now. Open to appreciate the little things that are possible in this moment. Sometimes simply changing our perspective will relax and uplift the mind.
4)Spread Good Will
When we are making someone else happy, it naturally brings happiness to our heart. A smile, a kind word, a thoughtful gesture make a difference - to you and to others. Do the dishes for the host of the party. Fold a few sweaters that are a mess all over the display table at the clothing store. Share a warm grin and some appreciation with someone at the bank, or in your family. Practice thinking about how you can spread good will and good cheer wherever you are, and notice the shift in your inner state when someone else benefits from your thoughtfulness. In yoga, we call this seva - selfless service. All of our thoughts, words, and actions can be devoted to spreading good will.
5) Celebrate Other's Success and Joys
Imagine that you are that other person, and feel the happiness they might experience as they greet their newborn child. Think of the elation as they find out they're getting a raise. Rather than compare ourselves (and come up short) or get caught in the trap of jealousy, open yourself to feeling their celebration. Your mind will feel much more at peace than longing and comparing.
6) Express Gratitude
Find a penny, pick it up, and give thanks. Show appreciation for the patience of the salesperson with your request. Feel grateful for a moment of harmony between you and a challenging family member. When we feel gratitude towards whatever we receive, great or small, our hearts become light and joyful.
7) Don't Take the Credit
Whatever you do to benefit others, let it go. Whatever mistakes you make, let them go. Offer your actions to a higher source - the Divine. Know that you've done your best and let it be what it is. When we replay the compliments on the delicious dinner we made, we often feel pressured to exceed that the next time. When we ruminate over the fact that someone criticized our presentation at work, our self-esteem plummets. Don't take the credit for the positive or negative - just do your best and let the results be up to that Higher Power. You'll be much more relaxed.
8) Honor the Feelings
Emotions come and go, like waves on the ocean. When you're with someone in pain or in joy, acknowledge their feelings without fixing, comparing, or analyzing. This will create more harmony in your relationships. When you have emotions arise, do the same for yourself. Simply feel and respect those feelings. It eases the tension created by trying to cling to them or make them go away.
9) Trust the Process
Most of the time, things work out. When we're doing our best and unattached to the outcome, sooner or later things get better. Usually, we learn and grow in the process - perhaps even more valuable than getting "what we want". Whether you believe in God/dess or simply in the flow of nature, trust the process and allow yourself to be carried by that flow. You can start in small steps: trusting that you'll make it to your appointment (if not on time, at least with enough time to receive what you need); trust that the idea will come to you; trust that there will be enough food for everyone coming to the party. Then, you can practice trusting the bigger things. The practice of trust creates peace of mind.
Whatever you practice this month and this year, know that you're taking steps towards inner harmony and well-being by taking steps towards peace. May your heart and the heart of all beings be joyful. May your mind and the mind of all beings be at peace.
Copyright © 2006, 2012 by Constance L Habash
