Non-Violence on the Spiritual Journey: Finding Peace Within

Non-violence isn’t just about outward actions or being “kind to others.” For those on a spiritual path, it also means embracing an inner peace that frees you from self-judgment and constant self-improvement demands.

Too often, we think of non-violence as external — kindness, compassion, doing no harm with our words and deeds.

But what about the way we speak to ourselves?

Inner violence is the harsh judgments, unmet expectations, and thoughts that whisper, “I’m not good enough yet” or “I’ll be better when…”.

The journey toward true peace includes embracing self-compassion, allowing who you are now to be enough.

As Ramana Maharshi said, “All spiritual teachings are only meant to make us retrace our steps to our Original Source. We need not acquire anything new, only give up false ideas and useless accretions.”

Real growth isn’t about chasing some “better” version of yourself; it’s about letting go of self-criticism and settling into the present moment as it is.

This idea may challenge the drive to constantly “improve” ourselves — but in reality, it’s freeing. When you release the need to change, you step into the now, fully accepting yourself.

The paradox is that this acceptance naturally brings transformation. There’s no need to force yourself to “become” more spiritual, more balanced, or more peaceful. Instead, allow yourself to be. True non-violence means letting go of expectations and enjoying each moment as it unfolds.

As Nisargadatta Maharaj said, “The road is the goal.” The present moment — right here and now — is all you truly need.

Steps Toward Non-Violence

Start simple. The truth is always simple. So start small and simple, the real practice of non-violence might lie in letting go of the self-criticism that tells you, “I’m not there yet”:

• Notice Your Self-Talk and Expectations: Are you demanding perfection, or expecting dramatic “aha” moments that will change your life?? Or even the seemingly innocent goal of feeling happy? These expectations create pressure and take you out of the present. You do become happier, but happiness begins with contentment?—?being at ease with the way things (and you) are.

• Cultivate Gentle Presence: Instead of pushing yourself to become better, try just being with what is. In moments of stress, take a breath and remind yourself that you are whole as you are. Better still –?notice the sense of you, reading these words through your eyes. What is that like? Return to this when you can, even if you can only do this initially in the quiet moments of your day. It’ll be your anchor and your guide.

• Redefine Success on Your Journey: Consider what it would feel like to be at peace in the moment and as you are, rather than and/or also as you move forward to reach an ideal. You can usually identify such an ideal or expectation if you’re thinking, “I’ll be happy/fulfilled (insert your ideal/goal), when …”.

A spiritual journey isn’t about constant improvement or “fixing” yourself. It’s about unlearning the self-criticisms that tell you that you’re not enough. Non-violence begins here: releasing judgments and discovering that inner peace is simply about accepting who you are.

You are already whole. By letting go of demands and embracing the present, you allow yourself to be at ease. And from that place of acceptance, life — and you — can unfold naturally, with nothing left to prove, hide or fear —

And that is a powerfully freeing place to live from.

Peace, truly, begins within.

Go well, and let me know if I can help with any of this,

Arjuna

PS.

If you’d like to read more on this, there’s a longer, more in-depth dive on my blog. The link is in my bio, or just ask and I’ll get the direct link to you.