We all long for peace—peace in the world, peace in our families, and peace within ourselves. Yet when disturbing events roar around us, slipping into a moment of serenity can feel almost impossible.
We’re often taught to think of peace as something that comes when the outside world aligns with our hopes and expectations. But that kind of peace is as rare and unpredictable as winning the lottery. When peace depends on external conditions, it becomes a distant, elusive goal.
With this mindset, serenity turns into a project—something we strive after through our prayers, meditations, courses, or self-help books. But serenity is actually much closer than we think.
When we remember that we are spiritual beings having a human experience, serenity stops being a goal and becomes a return—a homecoming. As spiritual beings, peace is our birthright.
What if serenity isn’t something to strive for, but something to notice? What if it’s as simple as tuning into the next breath, letting the body soften, and becoming fully present to ourselves and this moment? Instead of a task to complete, serenity becomes an invitation—to gather our scattered attention and allow the peace within us to rise and guide us.
A client recently shared a moment like this:
She was overwhelmed by the process of finishing her taxes and how to pay for them. Her mind was racing in five directions, each one ending in dread. Then she glanced out the window and saw a cardinal. She watched it for what felt like an eternity but was probably 30 seconds. In that moment, her breathing slowed, a smile appeared, and her thinking shifted. The taxes were still there, but completing and paying for them felt manageable. She got them done and sent them off.
That bird—and that breath—snapped her out of a mental spiral and into a peace that transcended her fear and her “monkey mind”. From that quiet space, she could see clearly: the situation wasn’t as dire as she had imagined. She could handle it and she did.
Serenity is closer than we think. It’s also very different from our stereotypes. Though it can be the quiet, feel-good moment, I like to view it as a stable launching pad from which we activate our vital and wise life. So, take a few slow, deep breaths, and get ready for LIFT OFF!