19 Nov Finding Peace
“If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else.”
Marvin Gaye
The holidays are here. There is a promise that this will be a joyous, magical time. And, for many it will be. But, for many it will also be a time of professional, personal, financial and emotional stress. At the SYI, we are finding that the pressure of the holidays is coming up for people in so many different ways. It is important to enjoy the holiday season, but it’s also necessary to be aware of the impact of the season and how to take care of yourself!
People often find themselves under tremendous pressure and feel overwhelmed or overloaded by the amount they are trying to do. This can often lead to feelings and actions that might not be healthy or positive. Alcohol use, substance use, excess spending…all are attempts to find a sense of peace, or reprieve from the pressure. None of those things work.
We all know that…
- You cannot buy peace at the mall. Spending excessive amount of money isn’t going to create the holidays portrayed in the movies, or on the greeting cards.
- You cannot drink, or use substances, to find a state of peace. Numbing or dulling your senses isn’t going to provide a shortcut to the peace you crave.
- You cannot expect to find peace waiting for you at your front door. A sense (or state) of peace doesn’t come from the outside, or just show up.
So, what does that mean? Where will you find it?
You find peace from within.
Identify what helps you find your inner calm. It is different for everyone, but here are some examples that people have shared about where they are able to find a sense of peace:
- Walking in the woods, or beach
- Reading
- Listening to music, lighting candles
- Meditation/yoga
- Naming what they are grateful for (writing in a journal, sharing it with someone, or just making a mental note of it)
- Spending time alone
- Spending time with family or friends or pets!
- Volunteering and giving back
- Spirituality
- Creative activities (art, crafts, baking, music, writing)
- Making time for you (and setting limits!)
Peace can come from any area that helps fill you up, touches your heart, and brings you a sense of calm and inner contentment.
As this holiday season begins, may you find ways (and make time) to achieve your own state of inner peace.
Enjoy.
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