Well, let’s talk about “peace”. Part of living a conscious and mindful existence is that it is going to create some form of happiness, some health, some joy, and peace for ourselves. People are looking for a way to be satisfied, healthy, and happy. People are looking to live with as little stress and as much peace of mind as they can. I know I am!

So what can we do about it? What are some tools and tips that I suggest to help you lessen your anxiety, stress, and discomfort? Well, the first one is obvious, but I have to point it out again- in case you have missed my previous posts this month- practice meditation. Practice, practice, practice. That is all that I can say. It takes routine, time, and dedication. It takes commitment and motivation. Practice meditation every day of your life at the same time of day and make it a habit.

Ok, so what else? What can I do as a nurse to help me create more peace of mind?

• Learn to let go. Resist the need to control things. When I worked on my inpatient unit a lot of my own stress resulted from the fact that I wanted to control everything. I wanted the staff to work how I worked. I wanted the flow to be smooth and easy. I wanted the management to do things I thought should be done. We have to let go of this “control”. There are things in life we have absolutely no control over at all. When those things come up- we have to release and let go.
• When you embrace the concept that you have little control over other people’s actions, behaviors, thoughts or feelings- when you really release your need to control- you have two choices. You can choose to walk the path of the victim or you can trust that all is going to go as planned. For me, I have chosen path two. I have total trust in the fact that the universe has its plan and that course of action is for my greater good. Instead of pushing my way through- I realize that “You know what? Maybe this isn’t meant to be. Maybe I should trust in the fact that the right thing will come…” And when I do so- doors of opportunity open easily for me!
• Look at each situation as a learning experience. So something at work blew up in your face and didn’t go your way… you know what? After the dust settles and your emotions calm down- you can learn from it. After you move through the pain and suffering of a loss; you can learn from it. There is always a life lesson to be learned… in every single situation. Even after my uncle died from suicide… which to this day still leaves a lump in my throat and a knot in my belly… I have learned so, so much from that experience. About myself, about my family, about my life, about relationships, about so much more than I can write right now. So learn from it all.
• Focus on the gratitude. If you are craving peace of mind: be grateful for what you have. Look at your entire life, your entire existence… you have so much. You are blessed and lucky. You are alive. Thank each moment of your day; of your family- thank everything around you. When you focus on the gratitude more good comes your way.

So what do you think? What are some more ways you can create peace of mind in your own experience? How have you done so before? I’d love to hear others’ examples so that we can learn and grow with each other.