What is Peace of Mind?

Peace of mind is a mental state of calmness or tranquility, a freedom from worry and anxiety.

Happiness is a state of mind, and we cannot be in that state forever. But Peace? We can train our mind to be in a state of peace. It might seem like a far fetched idea but hear me out! We can teach ourselves to be at peace, lets get right into it.

How to Make our Mind peaceful – 9 Ways

1. Spend some time by yourself everyday for peace of mind:

This is one that I have been practicing for years and I would say, nothing has helped me more in my journey towards peace. The world is a beautiful place, with beautiful people, and there is no shame in admiting and accepting that every now and then, we need to spend some time away from those beautiful people. Simply because it is crucial for our own peace of mind.

We are social animals but even animals step away from their animal buddies every now and then to explore themselves. Start with an hour, just that one hour of alone time, either in the morning before others wake up, or at night after everyone’s asleep.

Just take that one hour to unwind and do whatever it is that you enjoy. Here are a few simple ideas:

• Read a book
• Watch a movie
• Make a cup of coffee/tea, drink slowly with a cookie (never underestimate the power of a warm beverage)
• Listen to music – any kind that sets you free (for me it’s my 90’s jam that always takes me back to the “good ol days”
• Take a walk – Also good for the body so bonus points for that

2. Spend some time in Nature for peace of mind

Nature, when it isn’t unveiling its wrath upon us, is truly bliss. It epitomizes peace. Go for a hike in the mountains, no mountains around? Take a stroll in the park, watch a sunset, wake up early and relish the sunrise. Listen to the flowing river, watch a water fall, listen to the sound of the rain. Smell the divine mud right after a rain (We need a mud scented perfume already). Smell a flower, watch the leaves moving as a gentle breeze gushes over a tree, Listen to the birds chirping.

Tip: I leave a large bowl of water in my garden. Watching those beautiful winged creatures drinking from it is truly calming and so satisfying.

3. Practice Non-Judgement for peace of mind

By judging others, we bring chaos into our own lives. Judging people might have become habit by now and this one will definitely take more practice. However, I have realized that just by being aware of it, we can prevent it. If not completely, we can certainly judge lesser than before. Notice yourself judging someone, that might be the first thought, don’t let it be the last one. Awareness is key. Once we know that we are judging someone, we can take the necessary steps to stop. Think of a positive thought and roll with it. Soon, it leads to internal peace.

4. Agree to Disagree for peace of mind

In simple words, resist the urge to argue. Some people just want to win a debate, but here’s the secret that they don’t know – Life isn’t a debate. Our friends and family are not debators. More often, people who think they have won an argument, are missing out on something extremely important than winning an argument – PEACE.

Sometimes they might even know how ridiculous they sound, sometimes they know they’re wrong but ego won’t allow them to stop. Speak your peace in a civil manner (you don’t want to lose sleep wishing you had voiced your opinion) and step back. Let them think they won .. it won’t affect your peace of mind. Actually, it will affect your peace of mind, by increasing it ten fold.

5. Art of Giving for peace of mind

We must be willing to give what we seek. Every relationsip is that of give and take. What goes out, must come back, it is truly in giving that we receive. However, lets not give with the sole purpose of receiving. We must give with the intention of creating happiness, not just for the person we are giving but also for ourselves. There are few things that bring you more internal peace than helping someone in need.

6. Learn something new for peace of mind

We get so caught up in our day to day lives that we have stopped trying new things. I know people who prefer going to the same restaurant and order the same meal every time. However, here I’m not talking about trying something new. I am talking about learning some thing new.

Learn a new skill, a new song, a new musical instrument, learn how to play the piano, learn a new language, learn a new recipe, learn how to bake, learn how to dance. Learning a new skill stimulates the brain, it is good for the spirit and what’s good for the spirit, is always good for our peace of mind.

7. Surround yourself with Positive People for peace of mind

I don’t mean, stop talking to friends everytime they are stressed out. None of us will have friends left if we live like that. Ever watched someone laugh and started laughing yourself, without even knowing why they’re laughing? That’s the power of positivity! Positive people are highly contagious. Be a part of that and notice yourself feel lighter, calmer, happier. It’s amazing!

8. Color Blue for peace of mind

I did a whole post dedicated to calming colors that bring peace of mind. Blue is one of the most calming colors on the planet. Feeling anxious lately? Wear sky blue, Paint your walls light blue, Blue curtains, blue bed sheet..you get the picture. Not a big fan of blue? Here is a list of 9 Calming Colors – Psychologically tested colors that can calm your mind and reduce the internal chaos.

9. Relaxation Technique for peace of mind

This is going to be different for everybody. Maybe it’s meditation for some, yoga for others, maybe dancing to a silly hip hop song relaxes you. Swimming always calms me down. Listening to the sound of rain on an app is calming too, especially when you can’t sleep at night. Something so relaxing about it, it will put your mind at ease.

To Conclude

Peace of mind is not something that can be achieved overnight, as Robert Puff states –

“Over time, the peace of mind we’re searching for will emerge like the lotus flower from the murky waters below.”

Internal peace needs to be cultivated, and as we include more of these practices into our lives, slowly but steadily the more peaceful we will feel within ourselves, even if our external surroundings are full of chaos.