Peace /pēs/
La Paz (Spanish)
Salam (Arabic)
Mir (Slovenian)
Frieden (German)
Síocháin (Irish)
ความสงบ Khwām s̄ngb (Thai)
शांति shaanti (Hindi)
Amani (Swahili)
The meaning of peace is freedom from disturbance or tranquility. Can you imagine the feeling of tranquility? How does peace feel in your body?
This time of year is filled with food and treats, wishes of peace and holiday cheer to others. There are parties and events to celebrate the holidays. Decorations and lights. Time spent on buying and giving gifts.
There is much to see and enjoy around us that we often don’t think about our own internal gifts and energy. Each of us has an inner peace. How can we access our inner peace and share it with others?
To pause is to stop and tune into your body. What are you feeling right now?
Notice the breath.
Next, imagine peace spreading throughout your body. Invite the feeling of peace into your body. If it doesn’t come right away, that's okay. Sit quietly and feel the breath. Imagine a cozy blanket keeping you warm and giving you the feeling of tranquility, quietness, softness.
What does the feeling of tranquility feel like for you? Can you imagine this feeling in your body?
Ways to help invite peace and tranquility into your body:
- Sit quietly
- Meditate
- Take a walk in nature
- Stand outside in nature
- Draw
- Color
- Paint
- Reflect on a time in your life that was peaceful.
Or think of other ways you can invite the feeling of peace into your life.
When you take time to access our own inner peace, the sense of peace is not only beneficial to your own well-being but is also felt by those around you. Have you ever felt someone else’s energy? Can you feel when someone is in a good mood or bad mood? Just as we can feel other’s energy, those around you can feel our energy.
As you go about your holiday activities, take a few minutes to pause, breathe and feel peace.
Photo Credit: Maple Pass Trail, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest by Jen Potocnik
Nature can be beneficial in helping us feel peace. Enjoy this short video. Focus on simply being with what you see, then notice how you feel. Do you feel more at peace?