Courage to be Peaceful

Dear Friend in Peace,

At some point in our lives most of us internalize messages that tell us we are not enough: not smart enough, not funny enough, not good looking enough; we are simply not enough! Our hearts cry out for the love and acceptance that only we can give ourselves.

It takes courage to love ourselves just as we are. It takes courage to love others just as they are. So, where and how do we acquire the courage to be peaceful when our nation and world are in crisis, and we think we aren’t good enough?

No matter what the outside world offers us in the form of confusion and chaos or the harsh judgements our inner critics impose on us, we always have the power to choose how we respond. We can turn to our inner wellspring of tranquility for the profound courage to be loving and peaceful. We can choose to be as bold as babies taking their first steps and summon the courage to shed fear.

Last week we recognized the wisdom of rationing our input of news and the incredible power of inner silence to create a wellspring of inner peace. Today, we add to our reservoir of tranquility through the power of practice, choosing to practice peace daily.

Some years ago, my dear friend, Ruth Fishel, an amazing author, speaker, and peace advocate, and I chose to set aside 10:00 am each morning for a Pause for Peace. We each set an alarm on our phones and when we hear it, we stop, put our hands on our hearts and send peace and loving kindness to ourselves. See the Daily Pause for Peace below for the rest of this practice.

These Pauses for Peace have worked so well for me, I now also do the same practice at 4:00 pm daily. Many others also join us in a Pause for Peace. I hope you will too. It doesn’t need to be 10 am or 4 pm, it can be whenever it works for you and may vary from day to day. What matters is that you choose to do this practice day after day. Don’t be surprised if other people ask what you are doing and once you explain it, they join you. Peace and loving kindness are courageous and contagious!

Recently I added another step to my daily Pause for Peace: Before you begin the Pause, close your eyes and connect to your Cloak of Courage. This invisible cloak is a vibration, an energy that will surround, enfold, and empower you. Its strength comes not from weapons, but from your heart, your inner peace, and your connection to Love.

****Daily Pause for Peace****
Hands on heart
Take long, slow deep breaths
******
Send peace and loving kindness to yourself
Continue until you feel peaceful
******
Send peace and loving kindness to all beings.
Continue until you feel complete with this step.
******
Send peace and loving kindness to
those you believe would welcome
extra love and peace now.
Continue until you feel complete.
******
Repeat as desired throughout the day. It’s a simple way to reconnect yourself to peace anytime you feel angry or scared.

Peace is ours for the choosing and the more often that we choose it, the easier it becomes to reconnect and sustain inner calm! Pausing for Peace daily is a very happy, healthy habit with benefits to each of us and all beings. Your peace is powerful, it is an essential part of creating a peaceful world one breath at a time.

Thank you for choosing the courage to be peaceful and choosing to practice peace daily.

Yours in peace and love always,
Donna

P.S. Please pass on the peace by sharing this post with friends and family. They can join this mailing list, by writing to me at donnadday@gmail.com