In our crazy, busy, distracted world, our hearts are crying out for peace – peace in our hearts, our bodies and our minds.
People often exercise to calm the body and mind. Movement and physical activity have a proven physiological calming effect on the body. I enjoy moderately vigorous activity a few times a week, but other times, a peaceful walk, bike ride, gentle stretching or SoulCore (rosary prayer with movement) brings me peace.
Exercise is great to calm the body, but my favorite way to seek peace is by praying. My parish’s Adoration chapel is the most peaceful place for me, but I’ve learned to turn my armchair, couch, bed, backyard, screened porch and car into places of prayerful peace.
It might sound simple, but I’ve found that the more I pray, the more I’m at peace. The peace of Christ is absolutely the best gift I can give myself because if I’m at peace, then I can bring Christ’s peace to others in the form of kindness, gentleness, silence, acceptance, joy, love, encouragement and hope.
In John 16:33, Jesus said, “I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
Having peace doesn’t mean there isn’t strife. Because we are in the world, and we have original sin, strife is part of our lives. However, we can learn to guard that place within us where Jesus lives, and we can go there any time amid the busyness of life.
Perhaps that was what St. Paul was referring to when he said, “Pray without ceasing.” I’m learning to go there to receive the peace of Jesus in my heart more often. Do you do that as well?
Peace is mentioned often in Scripture. Our Father must have known that peace would be something that we would struggle with and need guidance on. Thankfully, Father God gives us inspired words from many people in Scripture including the prophets, the disciples and, of course, Jesus.
St. Paul encourages the people of Corinth in 2 Corinthians 13:11, “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Awhile back, a friend of mine experienced an adverse reaction to a medication that caused her to experience great fear, anxiety and an inability to sleep. She was working with her doctors to find a solution, but, in the meantime, she had no peace in her body, mind or soul.
One day I took her to my parish Adoration chapel. She experienced the peace of Christ for a short time in the stillness of the chapel, thank you, Jesus. Tears of gratitude flowed, and she cried out to Jesus for more moments of peace amid her trial.
From Psalm 4:9: “In peace I will lie down and fall asleep, for you alone, Lord, make me secure.”
When my husband had COVID recently, I was careful to keep peace in my body, soul and mind in hopes that I would not get sick as I was scheduled to present at a Catholic women’s retreat a few days later.
I practiced good self-care, which included more prayer time and spiritual reading, more sleep, healthful eating, moderate but consistent exercise, good hydration and a reduced schedule of activities. Praise God that I stayed healthy and attended the retreat. This was a powerful reminder to me to seek more peace in my daily routine.
May we seek the peace of Christ more often in our everyday lives to become more holy and healthy. From John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”