By Jan Boal, RN
Each of us has our own definition of what peace means. All these thoughts are good medicine for our body, mind and spirit. During this time of unrest on our planet the request for peace has been professed loudly around the world. We ache for it on not just a global level but for personal peace as well.
The definition of peace: 1. “Freedom from disturbance; tranquility.” 2. A state or peril in which there is no war, or a war has ended.
It is now the season of peace and goodwill towards all. This resonates with us on a deep emotional level. Here are phrases that support these thoughts.
Peace of mind.
Peace for mankind!
May they rest in peace.
May your heart be filled with peace.
Peace cannot be kept by force: it can only be achieved by understanding.
Nothing can bring peace but yourself.
It is not enough to win a war: it is more important to organize peace.
If we have no peace, then we have forgotten that we belong to one another.
Not having or being at peace effects our health, our central nervous system. Resulting in the release of stress hormones, cortisol and epinephrine, creating anxiety or panic attacks, apprehension, loss of sleep, difficulty concentrating, elevated pulse and blood pressure to name a few. These can keep us in the fight or flight response much too long which wears the body down. Chronic stress on the brain effects the myelin sheath that make up white matter, becoming over produced and while less grey matter is produced. Grey matter allows us to process information and release new information through axon signaling in the white matter. Too much white matter becomes like a backed-up freeway at 5pm on a Friday night, nothing is moving, no exchange of information. This can lead to small cerebral vessel disease causing lesions on the brain interfering with problem solving and memory.
As you can see, not being at peace has an affect on our body causing a chain of events that are detrimental to our bodies. Loss of peace also cause havoc on our emotional well being and our spirit. This leads to mood changes, sadness, depression, feeling lost or hopeless, “a broken spirit,” a failure to thrive.
I asked friends what peace means to them. You can see the connection between peace, health and well-being in their answers.
“Water, being in or around water.”
“A sense of calm in the midst of emotional or spiritual chaos.”
“Tranquility, happiness, love and respect for those around me and the world.”
“Communication, compassion, understanding and kindness.”
“Being inside of the bubble and aware of what everything in and around me that is good.”
“Living in equanimity with your past and present self.”
“Peace is replacing greed with empathy.”
“Taking a trip with a friend and giving up all expectations.”
“Being in an emotional/mental place of Zen”
“Harmony”
“Freedom”
“Clarity”
“Laughter is what brings me the most peace.”
“Knowing who and where I am…appreciating my blessings…”
A community at peace; where we are violence free, mass shooting free, hunger free, good will towards others and those with less are supported.
Having peace in our lives rejuvenates our health and well-being. It lifts the spirit, and we have a sense of purpose, finding joy, love, laughter and happiness in our day to day existence. This spreads out to the rest of the world. What can you do to be at peace or promote peace?
Peace to you all.
www.JanBoal.com