In Search of Inner Peace--A Never-Ending Journey

Life is filled with change, and just when I think I’ve got it figured out, more change seems to follow.? I’m not sure I’ll ever embrace it, but I am learning to watch for and appreciate the blessings that can come even in the most turbulent or difficult seasons of life.

Sometimes emotional healing (and the ability to recognize our blessings) can only come from within, even when we have the best support from friends and family. ?When my inner self is anxious or overwhelmed, I feel like my dog Remi when she’s chasing her tail. I try and try to get my thoughts in order, but I just don’t get anywhere. ?

Defining “inner peace” can be difficult, but I sure know it when I feel it. ?When I’m in the “zone” I feel a sense of calm and even contentment, despite life’s chaos.? The trick is staying in that zone!?

Recently, I had a difficult morning as I thought about some of the great losses I’ve experienced in the past year.? After some encouragement from my son Jake during an early morning call, I suited up and went out for my first solo run in a very long time. With worship music in my ears, I spent the first two miles crying and singing. (Sorry if any of you neighbors happened to hear that!)

On my return trip, I focused on the sights and smells and sounds along the route.? Hummingbirds, orange blossoms, flowers and vibrant green trees greeted me.?

I learned from a friend that what I was doing, without even realizing it, is called “sense grounding.”? Sense grounding brings us in touch with the very moment we are in and is a great technique for calming anxiety.?

Sense grounding is done by identifying the following at any given moment:?

·????? 5 things you see

·????? 4 sensations you feel

·????? 3 sounds you hear

·????? 2 scents you smell

·????? 1 thing you taste

And here’s the great news about sense grounding: you can do it anywhere and you don’t have to be running or exerting any energy to do it!?

The mightiest tool in my own inner peace toolbox, without a doubt, is my faith in God.? Sometimes I like to think I am in control of my life and that I can make all the plans for what comes next.? You know how that goes.?

Over the past year or so, I’ve leaned hard into my faith.? I’ve had some long conversations with God, and they weren’t always the soft and quiet prayer sessions you might imagine.? When the sorrow, uncertainty, and fear were too much after my husband Darren died a year ago, I pulled my car into a parking lot more than once to cry out - sometimes to scream out - to God.? Those moments didn’t change my situation, but I sure felt better inside because I believe that even in anger or fear or pain, God hears our cries.? And the more I talk to Him, the better I’m able to hear from Him, too. ??

The week after my husband’s funeral, I joined a six-week long women’s bible study at my church.? Some evenings, I could barely get myself there after working hard to just get through the day.? But with support from friends, I made it to most of the sessions.? I even met a woman who had lost her husband just a year and a half earlier.? She was the encourager I needed at that moment to help me believe that maybe, just maybe, I could survive, too.

One of my favorite ways to stay grounded is spending time in nature.? My recently rekindled love for hiking has led to new opportunities for exploring and enjoying the refreshing calm that comes from being in the outdoors.? On a recent hike I was gasping for air and watching my every step during a steep stretch of incline.? Challenging conditions force me to focus on the here and now as I push toward the top of whatever mountain I’m climbing (literally and figuratively).? Everything else seems to fall away.? That is, until I look up and am reminded of the beauty around me.? As difficult as life can get, I have much to appreciate in my world.

The quest for inner peace isn’t necessarily quick or easy, and it’s different for each of us.? I’m committed to continuing the journey because even the pursuit itself can be rewarding and enlightening.? Whatever routes you may take in your quest for inner peace, I wish you success.? Enjoy the trek.? And look up.? Don’t forget to look up!?