Be At Peace Every Day

In order to find peace, we do not need to escape the moment we are in. We may think that we must have things be a certain way in order to feel peaceful. We may believe peace can only be found during certain types of moments. This is not true. All moments can provide peace to us if we can be with them and allow ourselves to relax. Take this for example, you are driving in your car, anxious to get somewhere, your mind is busy, your body is tense. Is this peaceful? Add to this the traffic jam you just got stuck in. Anxiety builds, tension escalates, and you feel trapped. You may even be thinking to yourself, I can't wait to get home and relax; I can't wait till this day is over so I can unwind.

Well you have that space right there in the car, at that very moment, to let go and relax. Yes, you are in traffic. Yes, you may feel too preoccupied to take advantage of it, but it is these kinds of moments that we overlook all day. Moments that provide peace if we choose to relax in them. In this case, the space in the car can be tranquil if we let it, if we choose to quiet our mind for the duration of the trip. If we stop racing through our thoughts, the very thoughts that are causing our anxiety, and let our mind relax. Just this small step allows us to release tension if we quiet our mind, relax our emotions, stop projecting ourselves into our future, and take advantage of the moment we have which is a moment to ourselves, with peace available if we choose to act upon it.

We may think we must be in a certain state or a certain environment in order to relax and be at peace, but if we see life in this way, those moments or relaxation are not there when we need them. If we do not act upon the moments we have to alleviate stress, it will only build. If we do not relish in moments where peace is available, then peace itself will not find us. If we think we can only be at peace when we deem the moment right, we may be waiting for a long time. Think about the type of moment you see as peaceful, how often does this occur? Is it in your usual daily routine? If not, perhaps you need to look at your routine or your day in a different way. Stop assuming peace can only be found or felt in accordance to your idea of it. Peace is a way of being, attainable in all moments great or small. It is up to you to use them and let yourself relax.

Far too often we ignore the possibilities where we can because we are too wrapped up in our day. Opportunities to relax are there all day long; it just depends on how you look at your day. It could be a lull in your office work where you could close your eyes, breath deeply, and let yourself relax, if only for a few moments. A conscious effort on your part to release tension and relax can do wonders for your state of being and for the rest of your day. Even when we are confronted with what seems like a hard or overwhelming day, there are times when you can choose to let go and relax.

We must understand that peace is attainable. We can begin by quieting our thoughts, letting our mind relax so that we can relax. And then letting go of tension in our bodies through breathing and physically relaxing our muscles. When we focus on a peaceful way of being, it happens. When we let go of the idea that we can only feel at peace when the situation is right, it can happen at any moment. For in truth, in every moment there is a choice as to how we perceive it and live it. We can live in a peaceful state of being by enjoying life and constantly letting go of the tension we may be holding onto and by giving ourselves the space to relax. If only for a moment, with only 5 seconds of an empty mind, relaxed body, and the intention to be at peace, we can find it. Peace lives with us when we choose to see all moments as possibilities of being so.

Find your true self and learn how to truly be in the moment at Answers in Writing.

Adam Benedetto and Zoe Young are both dedicated to enabling others to reach their full potential in life, to help others release what is holding them back, and to find their true selves. Through years of experience and development, both have sought out the answers we all need to find peace, understand ourselves, and reach enlightenment.

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How to Cope With Holiday Tension: 6 Tips to Defeat Stress and Keep Your Peace

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. ~Oren Arnold

Have you noticed that the holidays seem to bring out the best... and worst... in people? It seems every friend, relative and client has a 'Scrooge' story to share.

Spouses who don't want the house decorated or events planned.Seniors who insist the family dinner has to be their way at their house on their schedule.Kids who expect more than their parents can provide.Grief, loneliness, depression and anger that seem to magnify during the holidays.More social events than one person could ever attend... or reciprocate.Financial pressures and excessive expectations that add more stress.Unrealistic desires for the perfect gift (given or received), perfect party, perfect holiday.

Your mind and emotions tilt into overload and the best solution seems to be - hide till it's over!

If you are one of us, it may seem like everyone wants more than you can possibly deliver, expects more than you can possibly do, and hopes you will be their source of peace, joy and fulfillment. It really is just too much...

So, how do you cope with other people's tantrums, attitudes and expectations?

Don't take it to heart. Your heart, your spirit, is the very center of your being. Protect it by giving people the benefit of mercy. There's truth in the saying, 'hurting people hurt people'. Don't absorb their pain or internalize their expectations. Tell yourself, I will not allow another person to steal my peace.

Do stay in love. No matter what you're dealing with, remember the Biblical promise, Love never fails (I Cor. 13:8). Responding with harsh words or reacting in anger will only escalate the situation. Use the God-kind of love -; always hopeful, not jealous, boastful, proud rude, or irritable (v.4-7) to keep yourself centered. Remind yourself, I am rooted and grounded in love.

Don't try to fix it. You cannot change another person's emotional turmoil no matter how much you might want to. But you can create some emotional distance for yourself. Walk away. Focus on a different activity. Adopt a 'not my responsibility' attitude.

Do remember to pray. Nothing is more powerful. Claim God's promise of peace 'My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you... Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed...]' (John 14:27) Pray for peace and harmony for those who irritate and disturb you the most.

Don't retaliate. Acting out in your own hurt and anger will only make things worse. Practice forgiveness, patience and a great deal of self control. Let go of some of your own expectations where other people are concerned. Ask yourself, "Is being right, or being heard, more important than peace?"

Do be kind to yourself. Get enough sleep. Take breaks throughout the day. Listen to favorite music. Laugh out loud. Dance. Sing. Buy yourself a present! Proverbs 17 reminds us that 'a merry heart is good medicine' (v. 22). That's true for spiritual and emotional health as well as physical well-being. A merry heart can also be contagious; so be a carrier of joy and good will.

No matter what pressures you face this season, remember the real reason we celebrate. Remind yourself that, like Abraham, you have more blessings than the lights on your tree (or the stars in the sky). Rejoice in and be grateful for the true Spirit of Christmas.

For more information on developing life skills, better relationships, and becoming the best YOU possible, visit http://www.seebecksolutions.com/ and sign up to receive your FREE subscription to "What Matters Most", a weekly ezine of inspiration, motivation and humor from a Christian perspective.

Ruth Seebeck has built a reputation over the last three decades as a life-skills coach, mentor, Christian counselor and friend. She is a business owner, author, community volunteer and event coordinator whose passion is helping others overcome life's challenges.

Original article