Peace Part 1
August 25, 2025
Peace Part 1
Welcome to this week’s Daily Reflections on Peace.
Peace is a precious commodity. Our minds, bodies, and hearts long for it. Our souls hunger for peace. Common expressions like, “having peace of mind,” “rest in peace,” “making peace,” “inner peace,” “or forever keep your peace,” and “disturbing the peace” reflect the importance of peace in our culture and daily life.
Peace is an essential value for those who pursue a spiritual path. It is the result of being at one with oneself and the Divine. In many religions, peace is also a greeting and a wish for others. In Judaism, “Shalom Aleichem” means "Peace be upon you." And in Islam, "As-salamu,” translates to the same expression “Peace be upon you.” In the Hindu religion, the greeting “Om Shanti” means “Peace be with you.” In Christian worship, the peace is passed to one another with the words, “The peace of the Lord be with you.”
What peace is: Inner Peace is being one with ourselves and the universe. In peace, we live in internal balance and serenity. In peace, we trust that we will have the support we need, and that we have the capacities that we need. With inner peace, there is a pervading sense of calm. We take everything in stride and emanate a calm presence. Our voice, actions and unspoken thoughts are aligned with the Divine. Peace displaces fear, anger, and shame. Mahatma Gandhi said the following about peace:
“The greatest power in the world is that of the Soul. Peace is its highest expression. To attain peace, first we must acquire greater mastery over ourselves. We secure an atmosphere of perfect peace, calm, and goodwill that protects and fortifies ourselves and blesses others.”
What peace is not. In peacefulness, we are not thrown off course. We do not ignore the enemies of our peace: those within and without ourselves. We meet those enemies with a peaceful approach, not with inner or outer violence. We do not disturb ourselves with imaginings. In peace, we are not in a frenzy; our inner calm outweighs disruption. Peace is the absence of inner turmoil, fear, and conflict.
When in the state of peace, we are serene. As human beings, we all have uncertainty and turmoil. During these times, we rely on logic and strategies. But sometimes we feel utterly helpless and overwhelmed by people and circumstances. Our logic and strategies have no power in the situation. The problems can be in our livelihoods, health, relationships, or anything that matters to us. The turmoil may reach the point that we churn with anxiety. But when we are at peace, we move in the world differently. We confidently address threats and, with inner calm, reach a solution. Peace is non-violent.
Spiritual practice: Re-read Gandhi’s statement above. How does it apply to your experience?
Self-inquiry: What is the relationship between inner and outer peace?
Dear God, For the serenity of peacefulness, I pray. I pray for mastery over the parts of myself that take away my peace. Amen
