A vast and powerful force of nature—the ocean. It can be calm and serene, or it can be wild and destructive. In the same way, our inner peace can be calm and serene, or it can be troubled and chaotic-simply.
Inner peace (or peace of mind) refers to a deliberate state of psychological or spiritual calm despite the potential presence of stressors. Being “at peace” is considered by many to be healthy and the opposite of being stressed or anxious, and is considered to be a state where our mind performs at an optimal level, regardless of outcomes.
Coming back to the analogy of the ocean and our inner peace, when the ocean is calm, it is a beautiful sight to behold. The waves gently roll in and out, and the sun shines down on the water, making it sparkle. When our inner peace is calm, we feel happy, content, and at peace with ourselves. We are able to enjoy the present moment and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
However, just as the ocean can be calm one moment and wild the next, our inner peace can also be disrupted. A sudden storm can cause the ocean to become rough and choppy. The waves can crash against the shore, and the wind can howl through the trees. In the same way, a sudden event can cause our inner peace to be disrupted. We may feel stressed, anxious, or angry. We may have difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Just as a little wind can stir the ocean, a little thing can trouble our inner peace. A small argument with a friend, a bad day at work, or a financial setback can all cause us to feel upset. Like a castle in the sand, one should see its inner peace as a fragile yet powerful Element, because a simple wave could diminish hours of work. However, just as the ocean can eventually calm down after a storm, our inner peace can also be restored.
There are many things we can do to help restore our inner peace. We can spend time in nature, meditate, or practice yoga. We can also talk to a therapist or counselor, who can help us to identify the source of our troubles and develop strategies for coping with them.
When our inner peace is restored, we feel happy, content, and at peace with ourselves. We are able to enjoy the present moment and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. We are also better able to cope with the challenges that life throws our way.
Just as the ocean is a vast and powerful force of nature, our inner peace is also a powerful force. When we nurture our inner peace, we are able to live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
BY BITANIYA TADELE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2023
