From my heart to yours, I want to tell you that no matter what is happening in your life and in your world, accessing your deep well of inner peace is possible.
Accessing inner peace is a choice you can make in the moment, again and again, day after day. It can be effortless to access inner peace when life flows with ease and grace. And I’m here to tell you that even in the midst of strong emotions, such as fear, worry, anger, guilt, sadness, disappointment, and frustration, your deep well of inner peace is still available to you. It will never leave you.
The key is to remember that inner peace is always available to you, even when (especially when) your strong emotions are wreaking havoc within you. You may not always be able to control when strong emotions show up or how you will immediately react to them, but if you can remember to pause and slow everything down, you’ll be able to tap into one of your greatest inner resources – your deep well of inner peace.
When you can remember this inner knowing, sacred pathways to your inner peace will reveal themselves to you. This remembrance will allow you to be the sacred observer of your life, including being the sacred observer of your emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, and behavior.
I have personally used the following 7 sacred practices to return to my deep well of inner peace and have also used these practices with hundreds of my clients. May these sacred practices help you return to your deep well of inner peace, again and again and again.
Here are 7 ways to help you return to your deep well of inner peace:
1.Returnto Self-Compassion. When we are in distress, self-judgment can naturally show up, keeping us blocked from staying calm, clear and centered. To access your deep well of inner peace, remember to pause, slow down, put your hand on your heart, and ask your heart-knowing “what is the loving truth” or “what words of loving kindness would I tell a friend in the same situation?” Deeply listen until words of self-compassion emerge. You can also ask yourself “what words of loving kindness would I love to hear right now?” Then, before moving on with your day, take a moment to really allow these loving words to soak into your heart.
2.Return to Your Body. Our human emotions consciously or unconsciously manifest in our bodies. With one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly, you can choose to access inner peace by taking a few breaths to connect your attention to your body. Notice what is happening inside of you. What physical sensations are you noticing? Can you feel your emotions in your body? What part of your body is calling for your attention? Can you be with these physical sensations with loving kindness? Notice what happens when you intentionally offer loving kindness to these physical sensations. What do you notice? Feeling emotions in your body is not easy for anyone, but illuminating these physical sensations allows you to release them.
3. Return to the Earth. This is one of my favorite ways to quickly access inner peace. This practice involves quietly standing barefoot or sitting directly on Mother Earth.
4. Return to Your Happy Place. You can do this physically or just by visioning what it was like to be in our favorite place. It could be by the ocean, or in the mountains, or at your favorite vacation spot. Although my happiest place is by a lake, I’m able to access inner peace by sitting next to a small creek behind my home.
5. Return to Your Senses. This is a well-known, easy to use mindfulness practice to help you return to your senses, which helps you return to the present moment, which helps you return to a state of inner peace. Start by taking a few slow breathes and then acknowledge five things you see around you. Then notice four things you can touch. Now listen for three things you can Then acknowledge two things you can smell. Finally, identify one thing you can taste.
6. Return to Your Breath. Focusing on your breath can help you relax your body and think in a clear, calm, centered way. Here is one of my favorite breathing practices that you can use when you want to feel deeply connected to your peaceful presence. Start by inhaling through your nose for four counts. Then exhale fully through your nose for six counts. Repeat as often as needed.
7. Return to the Truth of Who You Are. When your world feels upside, here are a few powerful inquiries to ask yourself to remember who you are at your core. Remember your pure essence is a beautiful pathway to inner peace. What do you love to do? When are you the happiest? What brings you joy?
Dear one, life can be challenging. Almost everyone I know, including myself, has some level of pain, disappointment, and heartbreak in their lives. It’s part of the human experience here on planet Earth. As I write this, my 95 year old father is in the hospital with pneumonia. I’m sharing this with you because I’m personally using every single one of these sacred practices to help me move through my fear and all of my strong emotions. Accessing my deep well of inner peace is allowing me to be present and move through my very strong emotions.
I leave you with these words, from my heart to yours…
Remember to breathe.
Remember to ground yourself.
Remember to love yourself.
Remember it’s okay to feel your emotions.
Remember, your deep well of inner peace is always available to you.
