DEVELOPING AUTHENTIC PEACE OF MIND

We all seek ways of calming down, becoming balanced and feeling a sense of ease. Unfortunately, most of the time the peace we discover is temporary. As soon as a new situation arises, or an unwanted encounter, we are often back in our familiar mode of responding, filled with worry and upset.

Authentic Peace of Mind Is Unshakeable

Authentic peace of mind, however, is unshakeable. No matter what changes appear in our world, we are able to welcome them from a new perspective. Authentic peace of mind is not a series of ideas, but the very heart of who we truly are. When we live from this basis, we can walk on our own two feet freely, and no longer deny our deepest reality or be afraid of it.

The practices and principles of developing authentic peace of mind need to be be practiced in your everyday life. They exist as a path for you to walk on and discover for yourself where your true security lays. A few steps are described below. Try them out, taste them and see what happens next.

A) “To straighten someone, do a harder thing, - first straighten yourself. “

The Buddha

When in contact with others, we try to change them, to make ourselves feel good. However, in this practice, we never attempt to change, or improve others. Instead, it is valuable to look at each person who comes your way, as your teacher. Thye are a gift you are receiving, allowing you to see another aspect of yourself. Let go of your rejection of them, observe all aspects of them and finds ways in which you can serve them.

Those who practice authentic peace of mind, do not assume the role of authority over anyone. Rather than become judge, jury, teacher or wise one, they relate simply as a friend, as themselves, joining the other in their experience. By listening deeply and openly, they give the other honor, and simultaneously, let go of their own negative perspective, which seldom sees the truth of what is right here.

“Who is wise? He who learns from others.”

Pier Ke Avot

Individuals absorb the ways in which we perceive them. When we feel hopeless about them, they feel it and tend to respond hopelessly. If, instead, we see their strength and beauty, not only they, but we too, are lifted into another vibration - of hope and strength.

What We Pay Attention To Increases

What we pay attention to increases. The more we focus upon what is powerful and healthy in others, the more we will not only bring good faith into relationships, but experience that in our own lives as well.

The practice of authentic peace of mind teaches us that when we see negativity in others, we must step back and realize this negativity is within ourselves. Do not project it onto them. No matter how great their disarray, each person contains great possibility. If we cannot see this, it is our problem, not theirs.

C) Forget About Dominating Anybody

“He was powerful, not because he dominated the scene, but because he was true.”

Buddha

It’s easy to get trapped into the power game and unwittingly dominate others. Not only does this take true power from us, it destroys our own ability to live with balance and peace. We do not have anyone’s answers or life direction. By allowing others to give us their power, we are taking away their responsibility from them for their own lives, weakening them. This is a very great trap. Don’t fall in it.

As we train in our own authenticity, a true sense of value and meaning appears in our lives. We are humbled many times, and in this process, realize where our own wisdom and strength are coming from.

Strip Away The Lies

Day by day we are given many opportunities to strip away the lies, ego, illusions, masks, the desire for power and feeling we have the absolute truth. As we become more humble and simple we then become fitting vessels for true power and peace of mind to enter our lives.

The practice of developing authentic peace of mind is the practice of become fully present, totally available to ourselves and others. We become able to be with life one hundred per cent, nothing in between and become truly trustworthy.

When you are really trustworthy then you will be trusted. If you have deep faith in others, faith will enter your life. When you relate to others in a way that brings peace, then authentic peace of mind will accompany you in all your ways.

Brenda Shoshanna, Ph.D. is a psychologist, author, long term Zen practitioner, speaker and workshop leader. Her work focuses upon integrating Eastern and Western teachings and making them real in your everyday lives. This article is related to her new book that will be available shortly, SACRED PSYCHOLOGY, (An Invitation To Live). (More about it coming soon. )Contact her at topspeaker@yahoo.com. You Tube, Dr Brenda Shoshanna.