Sometimes, particularly when life seems full of challenges, we become so focused on what we’ve yet to achieve both in our personal growth and in our life accomplishments, that we forget to acknowledge or even take the time to consider what already has come to pass by effort or circumstance.
Last week I wrote about the importance of finding a few moments each day for Quiet. I have capitalized the word “Quiet” here because the kind of quiet I’m talking about, and that we are looking for, is more than just the lack of external sound, though that is important, it is a deeper quiet; the kind of quiet that we find when we learn to turn down the volume on our inner noise, on the loud cacophony of self-doubt, recriminations, banter and barter that too often produces a non-stop assault upon our sense of peace and security. What we are really searching for is inner peace.
But would we know what inner peace looks like if we encountered it? Might it already exist but we simply don’t recognize it? The next time you take a few moments to dwell in a “Quiet” place consider the following items. Do you already possess a bit of inner peace?
THE SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE
- Tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than from fears based on past experience.
- An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.Loss of interest in judging self.
- Loss of interest in judging other people.
- Loss of interest in conflict.Loss of interest in interpreting actions of others.
- Loss of ability to worry.
- Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
- Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
- Frequent attacks of smiling through the eyes of the heart.
- Increasing susceptibility to love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.
- Increasing tendency to let things happen rather than to make them happen.
Saskia Davis copyright 1984
For more information on the author and the complete copy of “The Symptoms of Inner Peace” visit Symptoms of Inner Peace.com (A poster can be purchased on the website as well).
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It makes you feel calmer just reading it! 🙂
Doesn’t it? Maybe we’re further along the yellow brick road than we think! 🙂
Dorothy, you have once again posted exactly what I needed to read today. This is uncanny! Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the gentle reminder of how to hear and experience “inner peace”. I am definitely in need of some today. God bless you!
Thank you friend for your words Diane. I always look forward to your comments and it makes me happy to know that what I write makes a difference to you. I have the list printed and posted on the bulletin board by my desk because I need the reminder as well, regularly! 🙂 DS
Great idea! Thanks. ^_^
I read this article and had to smile. Most of the inner work I’ve been doing to lose my negativity has paid off because the tips you provide above are ‘works in serious, life changing, progress’ and not on the ‘to do or die list’ of impossible goals.
I work on it everyday, actually every moment that I am alone, which is quite often actually, as I live alone in a new town without much support or social interaction.
Without family or friend support, martial obligations nor connections at work-I take my solace from the infrequent chats with my customers. The biggest goal is to find love for myself and not look back and have regret.
Work in progress…Ameen
…and isn’t it an incredible journey?! Would love to hear more about yours. DS
“The biggest goal is to find love for myself and not look back and have regret.”
Best to you as you journey, Ameen. I, too, work alone and it can be tough to stay positive all the time. I love your quote about not looking back with regret. This is a very worthy goal. Thank you for sharing this! ^_^
When I begin my day, I have daily reminders (as books, note cards EFT) that I read in my prayer space reminding me to be positive and build a peaceful character.
Some days are better than others but one thing is for sure, I haven’t been able to give, even though I’ve desired it all to be clearer faster or to have no spaces for lack of faith.
“Take the 1st step in faith. you don’t have to see the whole staircase, just the 1st step” MLK Jr.
Thanks for this. I have seen this before, but not in awhile. And the timing is perfect!
I’m glad you stopped by Kathy. I’ve been wanting to read your book so your visit was a good reminder for me! DS
I haven’t been able to give UP-sorry I didn’t proof read correctly.
Hi Dorothy,
What a treat to see all the welcome reactions to the list you have posted! The list is a partial list from a slightly larger piece; and I am the “unknown” author, writing that I might be known.
Visit symptomsofinnerpeace.net for the “rest of the story.” Well, the rest of the piece, anyway. The story is ongoing, as is the peace! There, you can find little more, + a poster for a ready reminder.
If you would add my name as author to the list on your post with ©1984 & reference to the website for the rest of the work, I would appreciate it. A note with the URL when it is done would be welcome, too.
symptomsofinnerpeace (at) gmail.com.
BTW: your photo is beautiful!
Blessings
Saskia Davis, author
SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE ©1984
Saskia Davis, LLC
Thank you, Dorothy! Lovely job and much appreciated!
Saskia
Beautiful-thank you Dorothy
A wonderful perspective for a happier and more meaningful life, the article is great. It reminds me of how important it is to take the time to find peace and happiness that really is within our reach if only we take the time and energy to persue it
I had this on my wall for years and have it as credited to someone else. It’s packed away right now, so don’t remember, but I got it from a church bulletin that was done by a pastor who is extremely diligent in his research. My curiosity is piqued…
I was given a copy by a friend from a friend and it was not attributed to anyone. After I posted it on my blog, the person who I have since credited it to told me she had written it and the link I posted with her name tells her story. Fact or fiction? Anyone’s guess. Let me know if you find your copy and author. It’s curious isn’t it!
Thank you. Can certainly ponder these ideas at different times in daily life. (great stress reducer for blood pressure). Ability to stop worrying hopefully after November 3!
We need a drastic change in the dynamic that was set in motion with the last election. I truly don’t think some of us can take much more. A calmer, quieter less contentious country and taking definitive steps towards getting the pandemic under control is paramount. We must then tackle global warming to help calm the earth. We our work cut out for us and the desire to undertake it, we just need leadership.