Is there anything stealing your peace?

It’s interesting, that the word “peace,” can mean different things to different people. “Freedom from disturbance or tranquility” is the dictionary’s definition of peace. For me, I resonate with this definition. However, what I have come to realize is that true peace is having a calmness or quiet mind, regardless of any change, uncertainty, or chaos surrounding me. Having said this, some days are easier to maintain peace or a quiet mind than others. Today was one of those difficult days.

Early in the morning, I went to do some Pickleball drills, and I ended up leaving the courts feeling terrible about myself. Towards the latter part of our drilling effort, my thoughts started to take a negative, downward turn. I began thinking about all of my screw ups. I then became engrossed with thoughts of not being as good as others and questioning whether or not folks wanted to play with me. I felt bad about myself and all alone. All of this negativity caused me to be aggravated and have a lack of focus, which led to me messing up even more.

Once I got home, I talked to my husband about what I was feeling and the lack of peace I was experiencing. He shared with me that when he is under pressure, he is at his best. For example, if they are behind or losing in a Pickleball game, he “finds peace” by blocking out everything and focusing only on the game. He told me that “I try and stay in the present moment, as much as possible, which helps me to focus and remain relaxed.” Although this way of thinking seemed a bit foreign to me, it encouraged me to keep trying and not to give up. 

I’m still pondering the concept that a person can "find peace.” For me, I think we have to learn to quiet or still our minds. I heard someone say that this may be akin to a serene lake. You don’t have to make the lake still. You just have to stop the ripples that are created by throwing a pebble in the lake. The pebbles create a ripple effect. Similarly, what creates the ripples in our minds? I don’t know about you, but my mind is constantly bombarding me with thoughts. I think that if I can quiet my mind, I will experience more peace.

I mentioned in another blog that as humans, the average person has 12,000-60,000 thoughts per day. I also recommended a book called Battlefield of the Mind, which has helped me to understand the importance of my thoughts and words. The premise of the book is that “our mind is the battlefield.” 

I reminded my husband about this, and he went on to say that “I think that living a life of peace requires rigorous discipline and a conscious effort.” I completely agree, but I would also add that, when I make a concerted effort to try and line up my thoughts with God’s thoughts (and scripture), I have a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Finally, I read somewhere that “Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot control. Prayer is a conversation you have with God about things He can change.”

This was a good reminder to me of how important it is for me to be aware of what’s going on in my mind. As the saying goes, “Where the mind goes, the man follows.”