Peace. That's such a basic word and everyone knows what it means. But if you ask 10 people what peace looks or feels like, they will all give you a different answer. For example, I believe if I am at peace with someone I am harmonious with them. We don't argue or fight and we get along great. But what about feeling peaceful? Isn't that like being harmonious with yourself?

We experience a lack of peace most often when what we think we want is opposed to our values or beliefs. So...I believe I should go to work every day and earn a living, but I don't like my job so I don't want to go (just an example for purpose of illustration). When we are peaceful, we feel connected to our values and beliefs, and therefore, are in accord with ourselves. That feeling of all is right with the world.

But that isn't really very realistic, is it? So how do we feel peaceful in such a crazy world? I know many people turn to spirituality or religion. But aside from that...  I mean, we have to go to work. We can either learn to think differently about our job, or we can change our job.

When I'm smart or wise enough to become aware that I need to be more peaceful, there are many tools I use to increase my peace. I like to get into comfortable clothes and sit in one of my favorite places (can be at home, the woods, the river, the yard...) and I just breathe. At first a few really deep, cleansing breaths, and then relaxing into normal breathing. Then I name what I'm not peaceful about, as I breathe out, and I name what makes me peaceful as I breathe in.

So it looks/sounds like this:  breathe in peace, breathe out anxiety; breathe in safety, breathe out fear; breathe in pride...comfort...wellness... etc.

And another great peace increaser, for me, is to create. I can create clean by cleaning my home. I create art by drawing or painting. I create awareness by journaling... the list is endless.

And finally, it helps me occasionally, to imagine what I look and feel like when I am peaceful...and to just sit and see that version of myself for a few minutes, using as many senses as I can conjure, and know this is really me.

Ideally, when doing one or more of these activities (or inactivities) I can more closely align my desires with my values.