The Peaceful Calm Within My Heart

Finding the balance and peace in one's life is a responsibility. The responsibility that has been provided to us by grace, and I believe, to be cherished and upheld within our hearts. This responsibility moves us to create and sustain the life we dream about. It's not to be taken lightly or intentionally sabotaged. It's to be nourished in everything we do. Yet during many moments of our day, when challenged by overwhelming circumstances, we can ultimately behave in a manner that can poison our desired sense of calm. We act as if to dismiss its importance in our lives by simply overlooking how our co-dependent behaviors destroy the feelings of being close to our souls.

Why does situations in my life get so out of hand? Is it the people I associate with? Is the way I'm pushed to behave or respond because of the people I interact with during my day? Is it because their are so many crazy people in the world that seemingly show up in front of me during my journey through life? Could it be that no one understands that I have the best course of action the majority of the time and will not listen to reason? What's a person to do - all I want is to be peaceful throughout my day and enjoy the beauty of living...

The lessons for many of us does not originate in how we can change others or avoid others during our day. It starts within us! The importance of understanding this manner of living is underscored by this wonderful saying that has become a intregal part of my daily living.

"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can

not change, the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference."

My approach to living a peaceful life starts with my responsibility to create it. It is a privledge gifted to us, either to empower or abuse, based on our daily maintainence of our spiritual presence and shared during our interactions with others. It is to be cared for as a parent loves a newborn baby. It is be exercised - becoming part of our spiritual awareness in all the aspects of our daily happenings.

My understanding of peace has evolved over the years. Initially believing that when there is not anything happening - peace will follow. My understanding today is much different. By allowing the presence of peace to be felt each and every day - even when life comes calling like a hurricane. Many morning throughout the week I'm reminded of this quest to finding peace in all that I experience by reading a meditative phrase written by an unknown author...

Peace... it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.

What a wonderful way to start my day!