Evaluating Your Level of Inner Peace

Hey there, friends!?

In today’s fast-paced society, balancing work, family, and personal life often feels like walking a tightrope. Ever felt like you're constantly juggling and something's always about to drop? You're not alone. In my experience as a bi-vocational entrepreneur, I've discovered a thought provoking tool to help stabilize this balancing act. It’s called the Peace Index.

The Peace Index, developed by the folks at GiANT, is a tool, a practical guide to help achieve peace in each of the major aspects of our lives. It helps assess and understand how different areas of your life contribute to your overall sense of tranquility. Think of it as a holistic approach to well-being. Today, I want to share this tool and show you how it can transform your approach to peace in life.

The Five Areas of the Peace Index

1. Purpose

Imagine you’re a ship, navigating the vast ocean of life. Without a clear destination, you’re just drifting. Purpose is your compass. It gives direction and meaning to your journey. When you have a strong sense of purpose, you're not just going through the motions; you're driven by a deeper motivation. As the good book says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). Your purpose fuels your passion and keeps you anchored even in the stormiest seas.

2. People

Relationships are the lifeblood of our existence. Whether it's family, friends, or colleagues, the people in our lives significantly impact our peace. While we should all cultivate the attitude of giving and serving others, we must also recognize that if we expose ourselves to the wrong people, we will undermine our own ability to give of ourselves. Surround yourself with those who uplift, support, and challenge you to grow. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). Evaluate your relationships and invest in those that bring you closer to your best self.

3. Place

Geographical location and climate both matter as factors that can add or diminish peace. The country or region where you reside can either be a sanctuary or a battlefield. Purpose, people, health and provision may lead us to places that otherwise would seem unbearable. Living in paradise in all phases of life is unrealistic. Occasionally we must sacrifice complete peace in one area of life to gain more in another area.

4. Physical Health

Our bodies are temples, and taking care of them is foundational to maintaining peace. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest not only contribute to our physical well-being but to our mental and emotional stability as well. When you neglect your health, the other areas of your life tend to suffer. Discipline yourself to take care of your body, and it will reward you with the energy and clarity needed to tackle life's challenges.?

5. Provision

Financial stability represents a significant aspect of peace. It’s hard to feel at ease when you're constantly worrying about bills and expenses. Financial stability doesn’t imply chasing wealth to maintain vain social standing, but rather managing your resources wisely. Develop a healthy relationship with money, understanding that it’s a tool to help achieve your purpose and support those you care about.?

Integrating all areas together

This tool works by assigning a percentage to our felt level of peace in each of these five areas and then adding the percentages together and dividing by five to obtain an average of all five areas of life. Achieving peace is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Regularly assessing these five areas and making adjustments where necessary can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life. The goal of the Peace Index isn’t perfection but progress. It’s a reminder that peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of harmony in each area of life.

As you finish up your week, take a moment to reflect on each of these areas. In which areas are you thriving? In which do you need to make changes? Embrace the journey of finding your peace, and remember, the goal isn’t to reach a destination but to enjoy the trip.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. Let’s continue to evaluate and make adjustments to maintain a high index of peace.?

Stay blessed and peaceful,

Rick