The word “peace” originates from the Latin, pax. My years of reading Latin paid off. It means compact, agreement, treaty of peace, tranquility – in English. In French, which I barely had a foothold on, it traces back to the eleventh-century “pag” to faster, implying agreement or binding together to end hostilities. What a lovely concept! We could use some of that along about now. 

Feminist peace research emphasizes that peace constitutes a continuous process instead of a final goal to achieve. They describe peace as being “constantly in the making.”

“Many times it has occurred to me that the opposite of love is not hate, but indifference. Thinking about peace, I’ve come to the same conclusion: its opposite is not war but indifference. As Ursula LeGuin has written, “Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; re-made all the time, made new.” Peace, like love, is a process. It has to be made all the time. Among nations, between family members, within oneself. To me, peace is the visceral sensation of balance and harmony.” Elaine Bernstein Partnow

We sure need some of that balance and harmony. How are you bearing up during these troublesome times? I hope you are finding ways to cope and strategize in order to find some peace. I found a few suggestions and something offered by a druid. Hope you find some inspiration here. The following is from the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.

1.) It is not worth worrying about things you cannot control.

There is so much in this life we cannot control, yet we spend so much time worrying about these things. Think about all the wasted energy? You can’t control if the sun is shining, your child gets sick at school, your alarm clock breaks, the mail is delivered late, etc. We get so frustrated and stressed over so many of these things. So instead of letting all the things you can’t control rule your thoughts, accept them for what they are and let them go.

2.) Take each day as it comes. 

We spend so much time worrying about what is going to happen tomorrow. We are so focused on to-do lists and all the things we must get done. Instead, try to practice mindfulness. Be in the moment. Each day is a new start. Things will happen and unfold as the day goes on, handle them at that time.

3.) Accept the past and move on. 

We cannot change what happened yesterday. It is that simple. There is no time machine. So, if we can’t alter history then why are we so stressed about it. Accept that what happened happened, forgive yourself, forgive others, then move forward with your life. 

4.) Be true to yourself. 

You know what feels right to you. You know yourself. You are beautiful and unique in your own way, don’t let anyone change that. Don’t alter your sense of self to “fit in” or for anyone else. To be at peace with yourself you must honor your sense of self. If you are not a glitter and bows type of person then don’t feel the need to jump on that bandwagon because other people are doing it. If you prefer a night in and a good book over a night on the town, honor that desire. 

5.) Self-care is vital to happiness and deserves priority. 

We can’t stress self-care enough. As women, especially, we are always putting other’s needs above our own. Someone once said to me “a mom’s hobbies are the first to go.” But why? If there is something you enjoy doing then why can’t you make it a priority to still include it in your life? Take the time for yourself. Rest, relax, go to bed early, exercise, take a break. 

6.) Always be kind to yourself.

Have you ever thought about the way you talk to yourself? Would you even consider saying those things to your worst enemy? Why are we so mean to ourselves? You might think your brain knows you don’t mean it but that’s not true. The more you say things internally, the more your subconscious starts to believe them. You deserve to be happy, so be kind to yourself. Always.

7.) Do what you love.

Unfortunately, this life is short. It doesn’t go on forever, and tomorrow is not a guarantee. Stop putting off all the things you love and start doing them. 

8.) If it brings you down, let it go. 

There are toxic people and toxic things in this world. That is why it is important to identify the things that bring you down and then get away from them. Maybe it is a class you signed up for that you dread or a person who is always criticizing you. Maybe it is an item in your home or a substance you are putting in your body. Whatever it is, if it brings you down it isn’t worth your time and energy. Let it go. 

9.) It is important to stop and smell the flowers. 

We are always moving so fast, always thinking about what is coming next. Slow down. When was the last time you were out and you noticed the color of a building or the shape of a tree? When was the last time you soaked up the smile on your child’s face? Or the feeling of the dough when you are making bread? Slow down. Appreciate all the little beautiful things happening all around us every day, and you will find peace. 

My heritage is Celtic and I often find comfort in the culture, music, and prayers of the Druids.  

May there be Peace in the North

May there be Peace in the South

May there be Peace in the West

May there be Peace in the East

May there be Peace throughout the whole World.

The Druids Peace Prayer:

Deep within the still centre of my being May I find peace.

Silently within the quiet of the Grove may I share peace.

In the greater circle of humankind may I radiate peace.

AWEN 

~Eimear Burke

Sending this out with love and wishes that you find peace this week.