The Power of Finding Peace Within
Reflecting on the word “peace” brings to mind several sayings that I heard as a child. They include “peace of mind,” “peace be with you,” “peace unto you, goodwill towards men,” and “peace comes from within.”
Contemplating the meaning of these sayings has left me with a saddened heart that we are walking around on this journey called life with what appears to be an absence of finding peace within our hearts. There’s a quiet power in those who walk through the world with steadiness and grace.
Unfortunately, I do not see very many people with a quiet nature about themselves or a sense of tranquility.
Finding Peace Within
I imagine some, at times, including myself here at Hope Grows, struggle to keep an inner peace. That’s not just during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but year around.
Perhaps we have chosen to talk about “peace” during our “simple suggestions” through the month of December for that reason, to help those struggling with “peace of mind,” “perpetual hope” and “goodwill towards men.”’
Recently research remind us that peace within heavily contributes to human flourishing. When viewed this way, peace becomes less of an elusive feeling and more of a steady practice. It becomes something we can intentionally grow, even in the face of life’s messiness.
How To Find Inner Peace?
Cultivating peace within begins with small, inward shifts. It’s less about changing your circumstances and more about changing your relationship to yourself. Here are a few ways to begin that quiet work:
- Define what peace within means to you. Name it in your own words—stillness, clarity, feeling centered. Let your definition be personal, honest, and aligned with your spiritual purpose.
- Check in with yourself regularly. Notice your body, breath, and thoughts throughout the day. Self-awareness builds peace through familiarity and trust.
- Choose presence over perfection. You don’t need to feel calm. Just be present with your experience, without forcing anything.
- Give yourself permission to be ordinary. Let go of performing or proving. Peace grows when you stop trying to impress.
- Act like you belong—because you do. You are enough, just as you are. Living from that truth invites peace to stay.
- Seek guidance. Peace within doesn’t always come easily. Counseling services offer gentle, professional support when you need help finding your way back to center.
Peace Within Is Built Through Personal Reflection
There is a quote from the Buddha about this issue that deserves consideration: “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” So how does one go about finding peace within if they do not have peace within? I think it lies within the ability to connect with past peaceful experiences or in creating new ones.
One of the most quiet and tranquil places I found as a child was walking through a wooded section of the street in the neighborhood where I grew up.
On one particular day, our area received a significant amount of snow. At dusk, after the sun had set, my sister and I decided to go for a walk. The street lamps had just turned on and we began our trek up the street. This truly was a time when I allowed nature’s peace to flow into me, something that John Muir has quoted.
I do not remember too many of the details, such as the day of the week or exactly how old I was, or what I was wearing, but what I do remember was how nature, whether I chose to allow this or not, affected my senses.
Other than it being one of the best childhood memories I had with my sister, when I think about this experience, I can still remember the effect of it to this day. I remember how the cool air and the falling of the snow felt on my skin, how the beauty of the white that was everywhere and how the glistening of the street lamps looked.
I also remember the smell – it was fresh. But, most of all, I remember the sound, it was a “quiet” that you don’t find too often.
Back In The Moment
When I feel hurried inside and need a place to find an inner calm, I go back to that moment. It reminds me of what stillness feels like, and even now, it helps me reconnect with what gives hope in life.
I guess I have been truly blessed to have had that experience.
At the time, it was a moment I shared with my sister, which I cherish. But as an adult, I now understand the importance of using that moment for peace in the present. So, perhaps that is what this blog message is about, allowing an experience to enter our soul, to have it penetrate our senses, and to teach about the therapeutic benefits that nature can provide for us.
Being present in that moment allowed me to store its properties in my soul. Having a sense of mindfulness and accepting what is brought about tranquility. Slowing down and thinking outwardly to allow a new experience to affect us is important.
There are just a few of ways in which you can bring inner peace to your life.
Finding The Meaning Of Peace Within
If you’re finding it difficult to access peace within or if you’re simply yearning for more of it in your everyday life — you’re not alone. Whether you’re carrying the weight of caregiving, grief, or emotional overwhelm, support is available.
At Hope Grows, we offer mental health counseling services that honor the whole person. Our compassionate team is here to walk alongside you, offering gentle guidance and a safe space to explore your path forward.
When you’re ready, we invite you to reach out to us. Sometimes, the first step toward peace is simply knowing someone is here to listen.