Places of Peace

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Recently I moved house and home, town and location. The move itself seemed to arrive suddenly, and being uprooted quite quickly felt shocking. Apart from the substantial physical efforts required, there are also mental and emotional efforts. All of this creates stress and exhaustion! How many times have you re-located in your life?



We moved during the winter-time, which goes against the natural rhythm of wintering, hibernating and quiet times. As a consequence, I have found myself seeking places of peace, perhaps in an even more active way than I might otherwise have been doing.

Where are your places of peace?

Perhaps more interestingly, when your usual, familiar, places of peace and comfort are not available, where do you go?

Modern life is generally a faster pace, more stimulating and stressful than that of our ancestors. How long would it take for us to evolve into a new version of human being whose brain, nervous system, psyche and body could handle this lifestyle?


Is practising mindfulness, meditation, good nutrition and exercise enough? So many of us are contemplating how to live more simply, and how to create boundaries around the things that mentally stress us and cause anxiety.

We are noticing all the ways in which we have coping strategies that are unhealthy for us, such as caffeine, sugar, alcohol and substances.

We are realising how much we are impacted by trauma, and seeking ways to heal.

What about peace? How do we find peace? Such a big question!

Where are your places of peace?


 







I have been seeking out both external and internal places of peace. I figured that if I cover all angles, Iā€™ll have the best chance.

So, Iā€™ve expanded my internal practices such as meditation, and thoughts management. Iā€™ve stepped up my healing practices such as energy work, flower essences, homeopathy, reiki and body work.







Iā€™ve been working on the external environment as well. How many of us feel a desire for decluttering? I have found that putting in efforts to organising my living and working spaces creates so much peace! My daily life is a lot less stressful when Iā€™ve got that down.

Finally, Iā€™ve been finding actual external spaces to visit, such as a sacred building, a healing space or a place in nature. A few days ago, my husband and I situated a bench in our new garden. I cried. The place of peace it has created is so gratefully received.

 











When I am visiting these places of peace, either internal or external, at first I can feel quite agitated. Does that sound like you? I commit my mind, renew my resolve and determine my will. These are healthy habits I am creating for myself. So, even if I can only manage five minutes at first, I know that visiting places of peace is key.







I believe that creating places of peace for myself, and visiting them regularly leads to the contentment I am seeking. It seems to be working so far! Without having this practice, I do not believe I would have been managing my winter upheaval and recovery nearly so wellšŸ˜Š

What small ways can you increase your access to places of peace?

Much love for now,

ilana x



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