“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” HRH the Dalai Lama
Peace begins within. This is a belief held by many spiritual teachers and one I hold as well. The words change a little but the essence is the same. When I feel centered, calm, and a part of All That Is I feel beautiful inner peace. In fact I feel more clarity as well. Once again I’m reflecting on the personal choice one makes to be peaceful or not. I do believe it is a choice. Yes, I agree that there are many external distractions; choices made by others that invite reaction or response and the news, for example, that can influence how we feel. Even when everything feels chaotic there is still that deep inner monastery that can be accessed anytime. A place where inner peace is waiting for you! Distractions and behaviors of others are just waiting to interrupt and send you on a different course. Choose peace instead!
Consciously choosing to BE peace requires a strong sense of self. A strong sense of knowing who you are. A strong sense of being willing to change your own reactive behavior to external pressures and distractions. Once you are clear on your values and what you stand for then it is easier to avoid external drama. It becomes easier to remember to take a few deep breaths, close your eyes and dive deep into your inner monastery or well where you feel peaceful and restored. Spiritual teacher and author, Eckhart Tolle, has said that, “You find peace not by rearranging the circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at the deepest level.” It’s important for you to be clear on ‘who you are’ and not what you feel others want you to be. Seek and BE peace that resides within you anywhere or anytime.
Recently I was standing outdoors surrounded by trees. I heard and felt the breeze on my skin. I cherished the sun kissing my skin. I felt alone and yet I know I wasn’t. I took a few deep cleansing breaths with my eyes closed. I found myself traveling deep within myself to my inner monastery and felt such peace it brought tears to my eyes and overwhelming feelings of gratitude. It didn’t take a long time but I savored the moments I felt so much peace. I let go of some frustration I was feeling and focused more on the many blessings in my life. I shifted my feelings and potential responses to a frustrating situation in a matter of minutes. This was so much more positive and a choice I made consciously to respond rather than react to the situation that I let create my frustration.
I thought this quote from American Tibetan-Buddhist and author, Pema Chodron, was appropriate. She said, “You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.” Imagine. “Everything else is just the weather.” So true. We can be the sky that’s limitless or engage and react to the weather which often is distracting and chaotic. It’s a choice that each one of us can make. I choose to BE Peace. How about you?
I hope you have a peaceful week in spite of the many external pressures and distractions that you may face. Enjoy the time you can visit your inner monastery and dwell in the peace within you. Not only will you benefit, others around you will benefit too.
I’m available for private coaching and channeled information sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p by appointment. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule. I’m also available by phone or Zoom. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com.