Finding Peace and Serenity Within Ourselves

In thinking about World Peace Day, I perused the work of the Institute for Economics & Peace 2023 and the Global Peace Index. In partnership with Vision of Humanity, the 17th edition has been released and it comes as no surprise that the United States ranks 131 out of 163 countries.

In today’s climate, we might feel outrage as our environment, politics, and personal safety concerns sink to discouraging low levels. And yet, rather than despair, we can do something about this. We can look around to see who or where in our own community there may be a need. Becoming a part of improving lives can elevate our own peace of mind.

So important is our need for peace of mind that a multidimensional measurement tool was reported in 2014 in Conflict and Health. The term “peace” was defined as “a feeling of calm and/or freedom from struggles within self and others in a non-violent environment where hope outweighs resignation."

The researchers also identified concepts or themes associated with the experience of peace. “Domain constructs included: emotional tone/sense of calm, agency or locus of control, hope/optimism; tolerance of others; access to basic necessities, personal safety/absence of violence, and a sense of group or social connectedness."

Later, in 2021 a Peace Attitudes Scale was developed in Italy. Drawing from previous research, it is “divided into five subscales: Sociopolitical, Personal Well-Being, Ease With Diversity, Environmental Attitude, and Caring.”

With so much strife and anger in the world, where do we start with establishing a sense of serenity within ourselves?

8-Step Serenity Plan

Find a special place within your home that is free of distraction. The space works best if you place a small table or desk in a clutter-free zone with no books or magazines to distract you. If you can look out a window and see the sky, so much the better.

1. Schedule time each day, preferably in the morning.
2. Shut off your cellphone and all electronic distractions.
3. Buy a gratitude journal and use it often. When you are in a space that is free of distractions, you are better able to focus on gratitude and meditation.
4. Practice creative visualization.
5. Become aware of serendipity—a chance occurrence that many believe is more than mere coincidence.
6. Appreciate heightened intuition. When you spend time “centering,” you will discover a sense of “knowing, just knowing.” Trust these intuitive leanings.
7. Make a list of what you need to accomplish during the day. Add a reasonable time assessment so that you can manage “things to do.”
8. Use time management techniques so that by the end of your day, you are prepared for a restful sleep.

Motivate yourself to look beyond anger. Refuse to engage in disinformation. Follow people on social media who have a positive outlook. Take the time to meditate and escape from the noise, even if just 15 minutes a day. Create moments of gratitude.

Copyright 2023 Rita Watson, MPH.