Inner Peace In A Day

Inner peace is one of those concepts that is daunting to think about on a large, abstract scale. You might think it's something you can never attain. Maybe you think it's overrated. Maybe you've tried to find your own peace, but hit a roadblock. Inner peace is something that needs to be actively cultivated, we can’t just expect it to happen. It has everything to do with the choices we make on a daily basis. So let's take a look at an average day, and see what kind of difference inner peace can make.

A) Wake up

F**K my life, I have so much to do today, this is gonna suck. I can’t wait for the weekend.

B) Wake up *with inner peace*

What a wonderful morning to be alive! I'm so happy I recognize that the very molecules that make up my body, the atoms that construct the molecules, are traceable to the crucibles that were once the centers of high mass stars that exploded their chemically rich guts into the galaxy, enriching pristine gas clouds with the chemistry of life. So that we are all connected to each other biologically, to the earth chemically and to the rest of the universe atomically!

A) Get ready

*Looks in mirror* Have I gained weight? Ugh I’m breaking out. My hair looks like sh*t today.

B) Get ready *with inner peace*

Hey, I look pretty good. I think I’ll start going to the gym again though- I need to take better care of myself.

A) Drive to work/class

WHAT IS THIS TRAFFIC. I’m gonna be so late. And I have a meeting this morning. And that thing is due. And my boss already hates me, I’m screwed... *beeps horn*

B) Drive to work/class *with inner peace*

So much traffic today. But this weather is awesome! And I love this song!

A) At work/class

Mindlessly surfs internet, thinks about plans for later that night, checks the clock every 10 minutes, does as little work as necessary to get by.

B) At work/class *with inner peace*

Gets into their work, even though it’s a little tedious; talks cheerfully to peers/coworkers; works ahead for tomorrow.

A) That night: fight with significant other

Are you serious?! Why do you always start s**t with me? I just had the worst day and I can’t deal with you right now. You’re so self-centered!

B) That night: fight with significant other *with inner peace*

I understand where you’re coming from. I'm just stressed out right now, and I would rather talk about this when I can think clearly. I’ll think about what you said, and we’ll work everything out tomorrow, I promise.

A) Thinking about graduation

How am I graduating already? I'm never going to get a job, I have no skills! Wtf have I done the last 4 years? I'm DOOMED.

B) Thinking about graduation *with inner peace*

Wow, I MADE IT! What an amazing 4 years! I've learned so much, and I can't wait to see where the future takes me!

See the difference?

When we cultivate qualities of inner peace- like awareness, self-confidence, and a sense of connection- we make better choices every day, and inevitably, lead happier lives.