Dear Friend in Peace,

Peace is always available in the here and now. Inner peace is not dependent on others behaving in ways we respect and admire. Inner peace is not dependent on others doing anything. Rather than wallow in thoughts of "ain't it awful," as people of peace, we focus on creating an unshakeable peace within ourselves. We have a beautiful illustration of such inner peace from the venerable monks on their inspiring Walk for Peace.  

How do we create such profound peace?  It's clearly not simply wishing it so or we would all be peaceful in every moment already. Profound peace flows from commitment, from wanting peace more than judgement, from wanting peace more than anger, from wanting peace more than being "right."  

The Venerable Monk Bhikkhu Pannakara, leader of the Walk for Peace,advises us to begin each day with this commitment to ourselves: "Today will be my peaceful day."  This powerful statement, written and or spoken, can become a way of life, of choosing, of valuing peace more than being right or clever or "winning."  

In order to live this affirmation, we ask ourselves: "How can I create more peace in my life?" Such questioning has led me to increase the time I spend playing the didgeridoo, the gong, bowls, etc. because their vibrations are so peaceful and help me create more of the inner peace I desire. It has also led me to allow more time for meditation throughout each day and to choose to be in Mother Nature as often as possible because, for me, it is where peace flows within and without. 

Peace Pilgrim, who walked for 25 years for peace offered this sage advice which has also helped me continue to create more inner peace: “The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace. A persistent simplification will create an inner and outer well-being that places harmony in one's life.”

How can you create more peace in your life?  Here are some possibilities: 

• Affirmations 
• Peaceful vibrations 
• Silence 
• Meditation 
• Deep breathing 
• Stopping when you feel unpeaceful and focusing on your breath 
• Simplification - Allowing less to be more, more peaceful. 
• Reading about Peacemakers 
• Creating reminders of your commitment to peace throughout your environment. This might be done through little peace symbols, the word PEACE on a note on your mirrors, etc. 
• Before starting a conversation, visualize it being peaceful, loving, and gentle. 

What joy it is to know Peace is Possible, peace is ours to choose, peace is ours to CREATE.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts, successes, challenges, and ideas for creating more peace in YOUR heart. 

Thank you for choosing peace in your thoughts, words, and actions.
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