peace

This week the word “peace” has been ringing in my brain, like a tuning fork that’s trying to pull me to its pitch.

Peace.

If you look it up on dictionary.com you’ll find 10 different definitions for peace as a noun. Personally I like #3, #6 and #7. A state of mutual harmony between people. Freedom of the mind from an annoyance, distraction, anxiety or obsession. A state of tranquility or serenity.

I’m not terribly interested in living a life of constant tranquility or serenity. I like the ups and downs of being human. But it sure is nice to know I have access to it when I need it.

I find as I choose peace more often the ups are easier to enjoy and the downs aren’t as big or dramatic. And to be able to free my mind more quickly from annoyances, anxiety or obsessions? That means a happier me (and that impacts everyone close to me).

Peace keeps me from leaning on my horn when I want the person ahead of me to turn left already.

Peace helps me breathe deeply when the daily frustrations mount.

Peace reminds me to speak kindly when what I really want to do is snap (and helps me calm down and forgive myself when I’ve already spoken angrily).

And as the word reverberates through me, this song comes with it. So I’m sharing it with you. It’s one of my favorites. And around minute 4, she sings the Prayer of St. Francis, which is one I repeat often. It makes my heart widen every time.

How will you choose peace this week?

This is the question I ask myself when:

~ my feelings are hurt and I want to turn away.

~ I’m hoping that someone else will make the first move.

~ I’m driving somewhere (in a hurry) and am presented with a choice that would slow me down.

~ all I want is for my child to get ready for school/get ready for bed/do her homework/pick up her room/practice her piano/let me go to the bathroom alone…

~ one of my animals wants attention and I’m busy, busy, busy. (This sentence brought to you courtesy of the purring cat in my lap. Love wanted me to stop typing and pet him. This pleased kitty very much.)

Replace Love with something else if you want to. Trust. Peace. Compassion. Joy. Hope.

It seems a worthy companion in this season of emotional triggers, full parking lots, short tempers and long lines.

What would Love do in this moment? Now what will you do?

P.S. This is not to be used as a battering ram. If you can’t or don’t want to do what Love would do, then don’t. The simple act of asking the question puts space between the situation and your habitual reaction. Space creates awareness. Awareness brings consciousness. Taking conscious action (even if it’s not exactly what Love would do but it’s the best you can do) is a gift to yourself and the world.

Mantra Wednesday: Peace

Mantra Monday: What would love do?

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