“Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions.: – Pema Chodron
It is the second Sunday in Advent, ushering in the theme of Peace.
Let’s start with the basics. What is peace?
The dictionary defines it as freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility; mental calm. Taken at face value, it would seem that peace is available only in the absence of disruption and in the presence of tranquil circumstances. That, however, doesn’t jive with life as I know it. Peace has to be an inside job, because most of the time life is messy and full of disturbances of all kind. Our cell phone rings, messages ding, email floods our inbox, traffic comes to a halt, the kids get sick, a pipe breaks in the house, we miss our flight, relationships go sideways, and fear mongers control our airwaves. Peace cannot depend on our circumstances, because our circumstances are not dependable.
Peace is a choice.
Peace is an option.
Peace is a decision.
Peace is a practice.
Peace is a habit.
Peace is a perspective.
Peace is a possiblity.
If there is peace to be had, it is up to me to find it, not wait for it to find me.
