Inner peace; not an urban myth

I have, for the most part of the past 7 years, been on a quiet quest in search of inner peace. I seek information from various sources namely my therapist (I know right, everyone is doing it!), literature, the internet and sometimes just good old common sense and what feels right. I am also a huge fan of the Dalai Lama and find his teachings very humbling.

On my journey I find myself paying attention to human behaviour around me (looking, not judging) and to the environment and how factors, that can in fact be controlled, affect people. I have in the past found that to fill a need whereby something is lacking, it is too easy to seek ‘entertainment’ when I should be seeking long term ‘enjoyment’. I have discovered that happiness is often mistaken for an accumulation of moments, belongings or wealth. However I feel that happiness is not about possession of material things or a series of moments, rather a state of mind. If we worked towards peace of mind and less towards attaining bigger and better possessions I feel happiness would surely follow. I can make me happy. A flash vehicle or wide screen tv cannot.

Inner peace; it is not an urban myth after all. And I am told only few actively set out in search of it. Why wouldn’t we all want peace of mind? We all want and are in constant search of happiness, so why not inner peace?

I found the following on a website belonging to Saskia Davis. How lovely it would be to not judge others, or ourselves. Or not waste time interpreting the actions of others. We cannot alter the actions or words of others, so why spend time even worrying about it? We can however control how we act in response to the actions or words of others, that there is our own power. Sounds easy, I can assure you it isn’t. It does however feel great when you reach a point where conflict and ego no longer occupy headspace and less time is spent worrying about that which you cannot change (the actions of others) and more time is spent focusing on your own happiness and inner peace.

Symptoms of Inner Peace

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on previous experiences

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment

A loss of interest in judging other people

A loss of interest in judging self

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others

A loss of interest in conflict

A loss of ability to worry

Frequent, overwhelming periods of appreciation

Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature

Frequent attacks of smiling

An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen

An increasing susceptibility to love extended by others and the uncontrollable urge to extend it

Warning: If you have some or all of the above symptoms, be advised that your condition of inner peace may be too far advanced to be curable.

Source: Saskia Davis ©1984

To view the publication in its entirety please visit the website of Saskia Davis.


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