The Gift of Peace...
What comes first when we lose our cool and become upset over a circumstance?
Was it a situation that arose out of nowhere that instantly made us angry?
Often, it's a series of distractions that build up when not put to rest, leading up to a tipping point.
An example could be you are going holiday shopping with a loved one, but they are running late; this leaves you waiting and somewhat frustrated, your first distraction.
Rather than being patient, you begin to write a short story about this: How can they be so inconsiderate.?” Once they arrived, they left their gift cards in their car, and while only a few blocks away, you must turn around and return and get them. This delays you longer, your second distraction. Your short story is becoming a book. Now, not only are they inconsiderate but irresponsible. As you continue to follow these thoughts, you can feel anger rising as your book becomes novel; just one more fault and these distractions become a disturbance, and you lose your cool.
Our minds create the reality we experience in life on a daily and moment-to-moment basis. An untrained mind can run rampant, but a calm mind brings peace, catching disturbances at the onset while they are only a distraction.
As I begin meditation, my thoughts jump around like a jar of muddy water shaken up, similar to the unsettled mind in the story above. However, as I sit quietly and focus on my breath, I settle my mind like sand settling to the bottom of the glass. Being aware of how I can let go of thoughts, let them pass through, and calm my mind has made me realize I have a powerful tool to diffuse disturbances while they are only distractions.
Regardless of the stress that may arise this holiday season, I encourage you to take a deep breath, release attachments to your thoughts, and give yourself and those around you a beautiful gift—the gift of peace of mind.
Comments