Learn how to cultivate inner peace amid outer turmoil

As a women’s health advocate who is concerned about human rights, the health of our Mother Earth, and world peace and justice, it’s clear to me that 2020 will be challenging. But I refuse to be discouraged. After all, the times of greatest challenge offer the greatest opportunity for growth.

I’ve decided to meet the challenges of 2020 by putting more attention toward becoming the change I want to see in the world. Allowing myself to be tossed around by the waves of discord, negativity, and controversy would be an injustice to my true self and a direct assault on my physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. So my first step is to cultivate inner peace and hope — and to help you do the same, here are some tips.

10 tips to finding inner peace

First things first: take care of your body. That means get enough sleep, eat regular, nourishing meals and make time for fun and relaxation. Exhaustion, hypoglycemia, and over-scheduling don’t promote inner peace.
Set your intention for inner peace. When you wake, take three deep breaths and decide that inner peace is the day’s goal. It may take practice, but what you put your attention on grows stronger in your life.
Give yourself 10 minutes of silence daily. Sit quietly and breathe deeply, inhaling to the count of 5 and exhaling to 8. Focus on the breath and observe the wanderings of your mind. If distracting thoughts arise, simply shift your attention back to your breathing.
Change your mind (literally). Practice being aware of what you are thinking, and when worry or fear shows up, deliberately exchange them for more harmonious thoughts based in love or kindness.
Practice coexistence. Deliberately set aside judgmental thinking. Peaceful coexistence is possible when we respect each other’s unique expression of self, whether we find it pleasing or not.
Follow your heart’s desire. It’s all too easy to become distracted and even obsessed with the comings and goings of worldly and personal affairs. Focus your attention on what makes you happy, not wasting precious energy on criticizing or judging others.
Be kind, no matter what. As former President Obama is fond of saying, “We can disagree without being disagreeable.” Let your guiding principle be kindness.
Relax and have more fun. Times are troubled, but this too will pass. Take enjoyment where you find it.
Note positive feelings. Cultivate and encourage positivity. You will feel better and so will your environment.
Get out in Nature. We ourselves are a grand manifestation of the supreme intelligence and order of Nature. The rhythms of the natural world flow through our veins enlivening inner balance. Visit her often and accept Nature’s gifts of endurance, peace and harmony.