Every so often, I can do a 360 and see peace all around me. Generally, I work toward stability, but what I have learnt is that sometimes things out of my control can happen. In mid-July I got what I now suspect was a little 48 hour bug, that I wrote off as allergies. In the time of corona, of course I didn't want to admit I wasn't well, but after finally feeling almost fully healthy after 5 weeks of mild biological discomforts that lingered, I can understand now how even in the best of efforts, stress can infiltrate my life and knock me off balance.
But even when battling diseases and infections, I have learned how to live a life that doesn't have to involve battling people as well. Ultimately, the answer is simply in doing the next right thing. C.S. Lewis said that integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. When I live in integrity, I have noticed how it bolsters my self-esteem, and how it brings me peace, and at times even joy.
I believe that while physical ailments might not be prayed away, attacks of the mind can be: that we can enjoy tranquillity and comfort in all parts of our lives, at all times, and that it starts with doing the next right thing. Where I start to slip up and find peace evading me, is when I don't put my responsibilities first. But when I give myself the space to trust that what I truly want to do will have its time and place to be enjoyed, I can find my days going by very smoothly.
This also permits the flexibility to imagine where I really want my life to go, because I am not crunched down by worldly obligations in my commitment to them. Even when I wasn't in the best of physical health, I was able to still remain inspired and hopeful of a future where I am able to use my talents and work with my passions.
And this brings me to my next point - physical health. As I shift my focus towards a holistic and slow-living lifestyle, using things such as lifestyle medicine, green consumerism, and the pursuit of interfaith dialogue to development my entire being, I recognize the importance of physical health as a starting point to mental health.
Several years ago I learned the acronym H.A.L.T., and when my favourite pastor, Dr. Charles Stanley mentioned this in one of his most recent podcasts, I knew it is very important for people new on the path of regeneration to understand.
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, are states where we are most susceptible to mental and physical disturbances. I believe that even if we can't always do the next right thing, if we can at least ensure that we are not hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, we are on the right track.
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, are states where we are most susceptible to mental and physical disturbances. I believe that even if we can't always do the next right thing, if we can at least ensure that we are not hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, we are on the right track.
Of course, it does not mean that we are in immediate danger if we are experiencing any of these discomforts, and the spiritually adept person might even welcome them during times of purification, but for those of us who are still learning the path to peace, it is most beneficial to ensure these traits are seen to, and managed.
When I daily take care of my material and social responsibilities, my mind experiences a freedom, even within the restraints of worldly living. I get to enjoy a tranquillity that abides in love and compassion, and that is absent of fear and judgement. I believe that peace is the reward of good works, which is basic and honest living, no matter the circumstances.
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