By Dr. Marta Adelsman
Sedona AZ (June 29, 2012) – In this world of uncertainty, natural disasters, war etc., can you possibly maintain a continual sense of peace? I believe you can. I’ll share with you a few ways, from my personal experience, that support inner serenity. These are by no means exhaustive. While an entire book can be written about each of these points, I promise I’ll practice brevity.
Stay present. When you keep your focus on this moment only, then you won’t clutter your mind with what might happen in the future or what happened in the past. In this moment, you don’t have a problem; you have a situation to handle. Ask yourself, “Right now am I experiencing any of the catastrophies that my mind wants to imagine?” Look around you and give thanks.
Speak your truth. If you withhold and do not speak what there is to say to your boss, your family, your partner or spouse, then you do yourself a great disservice. Keeping your thoughts and feelings inside robs you of peace. All of those unspoken truths create stuck places inside you that prevent you from feeling free.
Speak your truth without making others wrong. They may or may not react favorably. Let them have whatever reaction they choose. Remember that your truth is about you, not about anyone else.
Resist nothing. Stop labeling situations, circumstances and events that appear in your life as “bad” or “horrible.” How do you know that they don’t exist for a very special reason that has to do with your highest good? Accept and embrace them, no matter how awful you feel about them. You will thus find joy and peace in – yes, even this.
Nurture inner quiet. Develop a habit of meditation or sitting quietly for several minutes two or three times a day. Focus on your breathing and let go of thoughts. If you have never done this before, you may find it challenging at first. Stay in the place of “no-thought” for as long as you can, even if it’s only for a few seconds. As you practice, this space between thoughts will become longer and longer. And you will experience peace.
Inner quiet also results from spending time outdoors. Get out into nature and experience the deep tranquility that the rocks, plants and animals exhibit. Learn from what you observe there.
Get rid of clutter. I refer here to both inner and outer clutter. Your physical environment will support your tranquil feelings if it remains clutter-free. My mother used to say, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” When I live that way, I feel much calmer.
Inner clutter results from noisy thoughts like worry, resentment and judgment. All of the above suggestions (staying present, speaking your truth, resisting nothing and nurturing inner quiet) can help you to de-clutter inwardly.
I acknowledge that this has been a very compact course in the continual experience of peace. If you choose one of these suggestions to incorporate into your life, you will begin to notice a difference in your level of inner serenity. If you choose to practice all of them, you will see a profound shift.
Let the shift happen!
Dr. Marta’s Schedule for July:
- Awake and Aware Class: The Gender Difference
Saturday, July 14, 1-2:15pm, Jerona Java Cafe, Cottonwood - Awake and Aware Class: The Four Agreements
Saturday, July 28, 1-2:15pm, Jerona Java Cafe, Cottonwood - Chat ‘n’ Chew: Handling Emotional Downers
Tuesday, July 31, 2:45-4:00pm, Jerona Java Cafe, Cottonwood
Dr. Marta is a Professional Mentor, practicing in the Verde Valley. You can write her at drmartacoach@gmail.com or call 928-451-9482.