Peace Within No Matter What Throughout

Coral Gables Counseling Center - Wednesday, March 28, 2018
By Courtney Waugh, LMFT

The definition of peace is freedom from disturbance, quiet and tranquility. Can you think of the last time you had peace? Mindfulness is a practice that allows you to feel peace no matter what the circumstances are externally or internally. No matter the stressors, the deadlines, the negative thoughts, pain or fears, mindfulness gives space for peace. 

All too often people look to a time when they will have achieved their goals, retired, have a new relationship or can get away to experience peace. The problem is, no matter what one achieves, no matter where one goes, life keeps going, new obstacles emerge, and we bring our stuff with us. 

Unless we can be okay and have peace no matter when or what is happening, then we can be assured to have true peace and happiness when the good times emerge. We can even embrace joy more without fearing the other shoe to drop. 

Mindfulness is a practice of noticing, being aware and accepting. It’s about being present and embracing whatever feelings, whatever discomfort may be there. It’s not saying you must settle in it, but, instead accept it without trying to escape it. 

If you can practice mindfulness in the tough times, when you may not feel well, when you have a lot to do and when you are full of fear and anxiety, you are creating a space for peace and happiness. Instead of waiting and wanting peace when…. make it now. 

Embrace the journey, the daily grind, notice and accept without judgment and allow yourself to have compassion while you are on this journey to true peace and happiness as it’s not about perfection but instead about progress.