Inner peace: what it is and 5 tips on how to achieve it
The concept of inner peace is often used informally in all kinds of contexts. Although it is an idea that is usually associated with some Eastern traditions linked to Buddhism and its idea of enlightenment, there is also a secular interpretation of this phenomenon. One that can be approached from psychology leaving behind the religious connotations of the term, and that has to do with a way of living the life that many people aspire to achieve.
In this article we will briefly see what inner peace is and what we know about how to achieve that state of mind .
What is inner peace?
The inner peace is a cognitive and emotional state linked to a feeling of well-being and calmness, which in turn defines the way in which we behave. This idea has its roots in certain Eastern philosophies of life , linked to religions such as Buddhism and Taoism, which are characterized by vindicating the mentality of non-action.
Just as the Western mentality is characterized by wanting to transform the environment so that it adapts to human interests, in Asia a culture of denial has prevailed, of trying not to deviate from the natural and humble ways of acting , so as not to alter the order of things .
Thus, inner peace in its traditional sense is a reflection of the order in which we should ideally live: an expression of the fact that we find a harmony in our way of perceiving the environment and, consequently, in our way of acting and of think. Of course, each religious tradition has defined it in its own way, but in general they all share that emphasis on non-action.
Your relationship with desire
Sometimes internal peace is conceptualized erroneously, defining it as the absence of worries or fears, that is, dissociating it from any negative mental disposition related to fears and anxiety. However, traditionally, inner peace has not been defined as the absence of these factors with a negative emotional impact. In addition, it is characterized because in it there are neither great desires nor, in general, psychological tensions that push us to act on our environment pursuing a concrete goal.
How to develop this psychological state of well-being
Internal peace can be associated with well-being and the feeling that there are no important conflicts to resolve in our immediate environment. Considering this, the best measures to develop inner peace are the following.
1. Lead a healthy lifestyle
It is impossible to feel good psychologically if we lead a lifestyle that wears our health. Therefore, it is necessary to be clear that we must have a healthy and balanced diet , we must do moderate exercise regularly, and we must sleep the corresponding hours so that, among other things, our nervous system regenerates.
2. Solve your fundamental needs
To reach inner peace, it is necessary to have attended to basic needs , those that have to do with having a material and constant support to live: a home, food, relationships and other vital provisions, such as access to energy, ways to regulate the temperature in a way that suits us, etc.
Therefore, many people need to solve their economic situation before considering achieving psychological well-being. Trying to reach inner peace in the middle of poverty, as well as being ineffective, trivializes the importance of minimal materials that dignify human life.
3. Avoid unnecessary dramas
Many of the daily concerns of human beings are totally illusory problems created by oneself. For example, the need to please everyone, or to follow the work trajectory that others expect from oneself, or the obsession to get as close as possible to the canons of beauty … To renounce those goals artificially imposed is a liberating act that brings us closer to inner peace.
4. Reconcile yourself with your imperfections
Perfection only exists in mathematics. The realization is characterized by the imperfect, and as part of it, you should not expect to fit perfectly into the molds of what is considered ideal . Be aware that regardless of how much we change we will never be totally perfect, it makes us more sensible and able to adapt to the circumstances, but also makes us prone to find ourselves at peace with ourselves.
5. Do not get obsessed with the idea of revenge
Harming those who harm us turns us into slaves of a vicious circle of attacks that sooner or later makes us look only at the negative side of life. Forgiving and letting go of old offenses is the best way to get out of those experiences, given that it is the ultimate proof of maturity. It is no use embarking on the mission to punish constantly for the simple fact of doing so.