In this article, five beliefs will be discussed for the achievement of peace. How we perceive ourselves relative to the whole will be explored. In addition, our awakening to our true nature will be presented. Further, we will develop a framework as to how we make sense of circumstances and the people we attract in our lives. Lastly, we will explore how we relate to time and the present moment. Here are five beliefs to achieve inner peace:
- The Belief that we are One Body—We are all one, interconnected made of many parts. When you can think as a part of a bigger reality, you base your decisions on the good of the individual and the good of the whole. You are never alone. You understand that every thought and every act that you have creates a ripple effect in the universe. There is no separation. Hence, we act in terms of compassion and treat each member of the human family with dignity and respect. We extend our circle, not just to those we are familiar, but to all.
- The belief that we already have within ourselves what we need–abundance, joy, freedom.
Abundance
How do you know that you are naturally abundant? You can see evidence of abundance in the material world. There is abundance everywhere. People also have abundance and can choose to feel abundant by being grateful. Here are a two thoughts: If it is possible for them, it is possible for me too. There is more than enough to go around.
How do abundant people act? They are conscientious, hard workers, consistent, and generous. They have good time management and they know what to say no to. They use their time well. Things are done with intention. They are purposeful. They are bold in taking risks and know that they can figure anything out.
If we know that we always have within us what we need, struggling, strife and competition will cease. We practice cooperation and help others who are in need. With this belief, we know that we are richly blessed—We feel fortunate to be alive and to be given the opportunity to create anything we want. As a result, we no longer complain about what we don’t have, but actively look for what we have and what goes right.
As we focus our attention to everything that we have, we affirm and remember the power we have within. We are unlimited beings. As you give from the well of unlimited kindness within your heart, life will do it to you in turn. You only have to see it for yourself because the soul who recognizes what’s truly important will not base fulfillment on money alone, but through inner peace and a sense of deep gratitude.
Joy
By aligning ourselves with our values, we achieve true joy which is not achieved by hedonistic pursuits, but by living a life that is anchored in service and a true understanding of who we are.
Joy springs from a sense of gratitude, from a deep knowing that we are truly blessed, protected, and loved. At times, our view on the benevolence of the universe becomes obstructed or perhaps we become wrapped up in life’s drama. It is not easy to see the gift, when we are presented with a number of challenges. Maybe we don’t have a job, we can’t pay the rent, or we can’t seem to do things right with the people in our lives. We feel as if we are doomed. However, there is hope and change starts now. By focusing on what we have, we shift negativity to positivity. Out of this comes true joy.
Freedom
Of all the freedoms that we have, one tops the list. This freedom allows us to take responsibility for our lives. It allows us to create a future that we want. It allows us to let go of the past. This freedom is the greatest gift that we overlook and often take for granted. It is the freedom to choose. Here is where true transformation can take place. Once we know that we have the power to mold ourselves and our lives, we will no longer feel in bondage to past beliefs, people, environments, and negative habits. We become free.
3. The belief that whatever happens in our life is for the awakening of our soul. In having this belief, nothing is resisted, only accepted and examined for the lessons needed to be learned. We are constantly being reminded of what we are, either through pain or through joy. In suffering, we know that better days are yet to come. In joy, we know what we truly are–a light waiting to be ignited.
By using non-resistance to the past and present circumstances, we relax and stop feeling disconnected. Just as every tree is unique, we too have been molded in special ways through our life experiences. Some are straight. Some are bent as they weather the strong winds over the years. Time passes and now you witness the uniqueness of such tree.
Everything about you is proof of your resilience and uniqueness. Be proud of it. Own who you are and all that you have been through. Let go of regret. Recognize your strength and for going through it all.
Acknowledge how you have gone through the hardships and pain. Be proud of that. You got up when you were down. Despite your fears. Despite the shame and the guilt that you felt. You are human. You and me. The thought that we had to be perfect or not feeling like we belong hurts. This is because we all want to be accepted. We want to know and feel that we have done a good job. Rest in the fact that no one is perfect. Forgive yourself.
On the flipside, dissatisfaction can also serve as a driver for positive change. To transform the negative belief, new thoughts have to be taken in. We can think, “Everything that I’ve done is good for me. Everything that happened to me is good for me. I can continue to build a beautiful life.
4. The belief that we are energies. We attract energies that are similar to ours. When high vibrating energies—people who live in truth and love attract the same types of people, there is harmony. The energy of love and the energy of fear cannot co-exist. Discord results when these two energies mix, unless the one who is in the state of fear is ready to be transformed into the state of love. Love is always stronger than fear.
Positive thoughts generate high frequencies. Negative thoughts produce low energies. We are in charge of our energy. When we feel depleted, we have the choice to recharge and reconnect with our center which is love.
5. The Belief that Time can Only Exist in the Now. The present moment becomes a beautiful expression of Divinity. When the individual realizes the value and the preciousness of each moment, full engagement is achieved. People experience flow. Attention is undivided. The individual becomes focused at the task at hand. How do we become more aware of the present moment? Notice how your body feels when you are experiencing resentment, jealousy, anger or sadness. Do you feel energized or depleted of energy? Do you feel open or constricted? Light or heavy? When you don’t value and love yourself, or when you can’t let go of guilt, you feel exhausted because you are operating out of fear. You are not yourself. You are not being who you truly are.
On the other hand, when you feel gratitude in your heart, appreciation, forgiveness and understanding, when you can share in the joys of others, when you are being generous and compassionate, when you are being empathetic, when you are doing your best and going after excellence, when you are being honest and following your ideals, how do you feel? You will more likely feel confident, empowered, strong, and energized. This is because you are not fighting against yourself. You are nurturing your true self. It’s easy to be these things, because you are in life’s flow. You are living life as love in the moment.