Peace is one of those words that has an elusive quality.
The word traditionally is defined as a state of tranquility or quiet: such as,
a: freedom from civil disturbance
b: a state of security or order within a
community provided for by law or custom
(merriam-webster)
By definition, it sounds like a beautiful construct. Almost magically, a destination we somehow arrive at.
Described as a station-point strung together by a series of choices, which can allegedly transport us to a new place of zen.
Does that even seem possible?
As an optimist and lifelong student of self-improvement, I wholeheartedly believe that everything needed to live a peaceful life is right inside me.
I am blessed with good health, a fulfilling career, loving family, friends and hobbies I love. Seemingly, each should be a healthy foundation to build upon.
However, that awareness alone makes little difference in how I actually might feel in any given moment. All of my good fortune hardly stacks up against the real-time effects of things that affect us all.
Don’t believe me?
Think about waiting in line at the DMV, sitting in traffic, getting disappointing news, or having a disagreement with a loved one.
Any of these things has the ability to steal our bliss.
Personally, I don’t think peace is a destination we magically arrive at.
Instead, it appears to be constructed by a series of choices. In each moment, we can choose how to show up. Good or bad. Positive or Negative. Responsive or Reactive.
That part is wholly up to us.
As I write this, I must admit there is something that feels exposed and vulnerable about this topic. Yet, something urges me to push forward and sit with my discomfort.
Ironically, admitting my humanness after all the personal work I’ve done feels like a betrayal to that journey. Saying that life events can steal my joy seems like a setback.
My interest in this as topic makes me question the entire practice of peace and what it takes to make it sustainable. Like many things worth having, it does seem to require a dedicated commitment.
I do believe there are steps we can take to more consistently achieve inner contentment.
Before we explore peace as a practice, I think we must honor those moments that rob us of it. To do so, requires a willingness to question a time we became powerless.
Consider the last time something stopped you in your tracks, you know the one that made you temporarily lose your shit.Perhaps, it’s something you aren’t proud of. It’s ok.
Let’s use it as an opportunity to grow.
What did you really feel in that moment?
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Anger/Rage
- Sadness
- Shame
- Doubt
- Righteousness
- Unworthiness
Each feeling is real and valid. They can be a legitimate disruptor of peace.
The GOOD NEWS…they don’t have to be.
I don’t meant to minimize anyone’s experience.
Peace is a personal journey that is made up of individual choices.
In any given moment, we have a two choices:
Respond or React
As someone who has a long history of reacting, I can say it has never served me well.
Reactions take a lot of emotional energy, which leave me depleted. The compound effect robs me of precious energy that could be invested in the things that actually matter.
Instead, when I exercise my choice to respond, I feel more empowered.
When I take a beat and breathe, I can carefully consider the next right step.
AHHHH….that feels like a place of peace.
Going to the reactionary dark side keeps us from seeing other points of view.
By breaking down each situation, I am more clearly able to see my own role and choose if it’s something that even requires my attention.
Most of the time, I can observe a situation and just move on. No attention required.
Many of the things that steal our joy don’t actually require any attention from us.
Think about it, is traffic or a bad date really worth losing your peace over?
Try imagining that it’s diverting you from danger or something that isn’t meant for you.
In truth, you will eventually get to your destination and find someone worthy of your affection.
So, why do we give those fleeting moments so much power?
Challenging times can be a beautiful opportunity to reboot and reset; to reflect on the experience and ask “what is this showing up to teach me?”
I realize this is easier said that done.
Peace is a practice.
Any practice takes commitment and consistency.
Life happens. Things come at us that we weren’t expecting, which certainly can rob us of peace in a moment. Each experience can set the tone for what comes after.
Just take the next right step.
Whatever that is for you.
As a practice, aim to walk in faith, believing that what is meant for you will not pass you by.
Choose to see temporary setbacks as a place to find grace. Each, an opportunity to more deeply connect to your power and purpose. A chance to reignite with that internal fire that burns within each of us.
Of course, I sometimes still succumb to the spiral. I have a lot of experience from that place. More quickly, I can realize it only leads me to a place I don’t want to be. Certainly, not where peace lives.
It’s a great spot to redirect from, an opportunity to respond, not react.
Imagine your life if peace is a practice.
Jason C Hopcus is an artist living in Denver. All original artwork shown in this blog are available for purchase.
For inquiries, please email jasonchopcus@gmail.com
Life as Art 