Peace Part 4
August 28, 2025
Peace Part 4
Do you want more peacefulness today? You may have it, regardless of the stressors around you or the things you face. Peacefulness comes when we take time to invite it. But we are so busy, we plow right ahead and do not take the simple steps that bring us peace.
When we are busy or threatened, our ego says, “Keep doing what you are doing, even if you have to dull yourself to the pain of it.” When we have little or no peace, the pain is often translated into anxiety. Anxiety sets up in our bodies with tense muscles and a worried expression on our faces. During anxiety, the body releases the hormones cortisol and adrenaline (epinephrine). These hormones are part of the body's stress response, preparing for fight or flight.
When we are stressed, medicines can counteract our physical responses. We can also remove ourselves from anxiety-producing circumstances. However, although these strategies can be beneficial, they are not always possible or even the best choices for us. The one thing that always reduces anxiety is our receptivity to giving and receiving love and the self-confidence that emerges from that. There is a type of unhealthy love that fosters dependence and reinforces our weaknesses. But the love that heals anxiety is empowering.
When the chips are down and anxiety completely overwhelms us, the most immediate access to healing love is found in prayer and in being with those who support us. It is wonderful to have both of these at the same time. But praying on our own is a powerful return to ourselves. In genuine prayer, we connect to the source of all love. In such prayer, we return to the parent-child relationship: we acknowledge our reliance on God as our higher power and that we need that higher power. I am reminded of the soul child who entered the world in total trust and absolute assurance. Returning to that original part of ourselves reminds us of who we are— not a bag of nerves, but a child of the Divine. And being a child of the Divine, we once again receive assurance. That assurance lessens our anxiety.
Spiritual practice: What are you possibly worried about these days? Do these concerns give you anxiety? If so, practice going into prayer, mindful of the higher power at our disposal. Picture yourself as a soul child asking the Source of Love for the assurance you need. Picture yourself as an adult receiving this assurance.
Self-inquiry: Why might our ego want us to keep doing the same thing even if all our alarms are going off that our anxiety level is hitting the roof?
Dear God, In this time alone with you, I feel something that I cannot receive by myself: I think your presence calms me and assures me that I am supported, regardless of the appearance of what is happening. For the privilege of having time with you, I am so grateful. Amen
