Living a Peaceful Life

Two men in prison,

one sees only the bars,

the other sees the stars.

The ditty above was told to me recently by an Irish Country Woman so I'm assuming its an old Irish saying. It reminded me yet again, that living a Peaceful Life is not a haphazard thing, its a choice thats to be made every day and every moment of the day.

When I was in my teens and twenties I thought that peace was boring, many years and much excitement later, I no longer believe that to true.

Mistakenly, also one would think that a person with good health, stable relationships and financial security would be living a peaceful life. Yet, time and time again in my own small circle, I see that not to be the case and the two most peaceful people I've ever encountered were unwell and not very rich.

Having been blessed with a highly nervous and sensitive disposition I have been forced of necessity to bring peace and calm into my own life. Otherwise I don't think I'd still be here!

So, I'm sharing with you a few things that I have found beneficial in my own life. These are by no means to be taken as gospel. You could look upon these suggestions as pointers perhaps, from a person who is still growing and learning along her own peaceful path and certainly doesn't feel that she's 'made it'

Breathing Techniques and Meditation

One simple and effective techniques is to imagine that on each in-breath you are breathing in peace, starting at your toes and working upwards. On each in-breath fill a part of your body with peace and with each out breath feel the peace expanding into the cells in that part of the body (you can start with your toes and then move your attention into your foot , then calf, then knee and on up etc)You can take as long as you like to do this until your whole body is filled with peace.

Mental Focus

Be aware of the thoughts that pass through your mind during the day. Are they kind of unkind, harsh or soft, angry or calm? Begin to choose the thoughts that bring you feelings of calm and peace. You may begin to see that kind and positive thoughts bring calm and peace into your daily life.

Emotional Focus

Be very aware of your moods and wherever possible don't judge yourself harshly for how you are feeling at any particular moment. Let your moods show you what is going on in your life and guide you to what needs to be changed to enable you to feel peaceful more of the time.

Fulfillment

Are you fulfilling your life's purpose? Do you feel you have a purpose or reason for living? Finding this and pursuing your goal, is a fundamental way to achieve peaceful fulfillment throughout life.

Diet and Exercise

Maintain a diet and exercise programme that suits you and that you enjoy keeping. In this way your body can become a peaceful and beautifully maintained temple. Don't be harsh on yourself if you slip from your routine now and again.

Vision

Concentrate your vision on the stars and not at the bars. Remember what its like to see the world through the eyes of a child - the wonder and beauty of it.

Nature

Bask in the beauty and peace that can be found in Nature, for the Earth is our Mother and truly knowing that you are nourished by her, can bring deep feelings of comfort, peace and security.

I hope that you have found some of the above suggestions helpful, so here's wishing you a beautiful and peaceful life.

gillianknebel.com