So you want inner peace.  And you know the path of inner peace can be more peaceful, more joyful.  Good for you!  Here're 3 ways to help you do just that, as I promised you from the last post.

1. Give permission to yourself to notice and experience more peace, joy, __ [insert whatever FEELING it is you really want] in your everyday life.

Starting today.  Not tomorrow ok?  Today!  Do this everyday for the next 3 weeks.  Say it out loud if that helps.  And mean it.

By the way,  the ___ could be other "things" like acceptance of however you're feeling, ease, harmony.  This reminds me of a saying... a friend once shared that the things that make us happy, are not things.

2. Go easy on yourself

This is especially relevant to those of you who strive so hard to give your best in all you do.  Be easy on yourself in the process of your inner peace journey.  Refrain, or be aware, of any judgments you place on yourself.  If you're thinking, "Shucks.  I should be further along this journey than I am now," or, "I shouldn't have lost my patience so easily in that situation,"  ...  just know you don't have to be hitting your ideal of perfection every time to be good, to be worthy, to be happy.

And know that those are just thoughts.  Don't fuel it further by giving them more of your attention.  Instead, think of situations that have pleased you, that have delighted you, that have been comforting, nurturing, welcoming, warm, inspiring, or __ [insert whatever it is that feels good] for you.

3. Slow down

P. A. U. S. E.

How?  Listen out for quietude in everyday opportunities.  There're plenty of them, believe it or not.  Identify them ahead of time so you can leverage on them often.

For example.  When you come to a red traffic light when you're driving, or when traffic comes to a standstill.  Often, coming to a red light can be annoying, but you can turn this around and leverage on these moments, by taking the opportunity to listen to the silence that's surrounding you.  Let your ears pick up the sound of silence around you.  Turn off the radio, mp3.  Just listen to the spots of non-activity in the air.  For example, the seats aren't talking right, they are silent. 

Just look at the seats, notice how quiet they are, and listen.  I know it sounds like a strange activity, but over time, you will find your mind getting clearer and less easily perturbed.

Another way is to consciously take a deep breath.  Make that a few deep breaths.  Feel that air from that single breath touching your nostrils, reaching into your chest.

So whenever you've some "waiting moments", eg waiting for someone, waiting in line at the supermarket or at the ATM, at a red traffic / pedestrian light, you know how to turn that into a moment of inner-peace strengthening.