How to find inner peace

March 11, 12:15 PMHolistic Wellness ExaminerAlice Landry

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Inner peace is a state of mind that is always present; the clutter of external circumstances or internal mind chatter can prevent you from easily recognizing it and embracing the rewards it has to offer. Outer situations that you have no real control of can sway your emotions and contribute to a sense of disharmony. However, this imbalance is truly temporary if you know how to maintain your bliss as a steady, functional state of mind. Here are some suggestions to find that place again.

Acceptance

Self-acceptance and accepting where you in life at this moment in time are majors factor in determining your emotional state. If your life is not ideal and you would like it to change for the better, you first have to own up to where you are, bless the situations you've been in, and take responsibility for creating a new life of your choosing.

Here and now

Negative emotions you've been carrying around from past experiences are only holding you back. You must release the emotional baggage and stop letting other people or occurrences direct the course of your day and your life. Why should something that happened way back when still disrupt you now? Because you let it. Learn to filter your thoughts or sensations to only allow positive ones. Stay in the present and literally focus on your day moment by moment. Remember the following from Dan Millman: Where are you? HERE. What time is it? NOW.

Life purpose

Having a sense of purpose in life can help you be at peace. When you honor your passion with integrity and power, your purpose will serve you and the world. It is your birthright and responsibility to realize your life's purpose. Dissatisfaction with your job, household situation, health, or relationship can deter you from taking steps toward fulfillment. With every thought, feeling, and action, ask yourself, "Does this steer me closer to my purpose and goals or away from it?" Even if you don't yet have a clear vision of your path, affirm that you do and intend to live every day with joy and gratitude for just being you and doing the best you can.

Gratitude

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude reminds you of the many blessings you do have in life. Avoid complaining about what you don't have, and suddenly your mind is free to realize how lucky you are and show appreciation for what you do have. Negative thinking and complaining only emit that distressed energy out to the universe. By the Law of Attraction, this is what gets returned to you. You ultimately block yourself from receiving because you can't even give thanks for what you already have or your current capabilities in life. This vicious cycle can result in frustration and add to a feeling of inner chaos. Review these quotes to stay centered on gratitude.

Inner peace exercises

The following are some practices you can do to bring you back to a place of inner peace. These are helpful when life throws you a curve ball and stress is overwhelming. Ultimately, you need to use your own power to create a life that has a baseline of stability, harmony, and peace in order to maintain your bliss.

* Meditation

* Deep breathing

* Relaxation exercises

* Music therapy - Example: Find that Place by Angel Earth

Affirmations: My place of inner peace is always available. I live my life in bliss. My norm is peace and serenity. I have an attitude of gratitude. I focus on the here and now.

Photo: AP/Ashwini Bhatia

For information on meditation groups in New Orleans, you may wish to visit Blue Iris Sangha or Wild Lotus Yoga.