The little sacred rules of inner peace

by Gilbert Ross

No matter how different people’s goals, inclinations and social conditions might be, there is always one thing that is common to all humans – the desire for inner peace.Some might not be consciously aware of this all the time or their life experiences have completely closed their heart to this possibility. Others might think that their highest goals are nothing like inner peace but more like material success and gratification.

Still, whether we admit it or not, we all seek happiness and inner peace. Nobody will ever feel complete with loads of material rewards but a spiritual void. So many life stories are a witness to this.

The rules

If you are listening to your heart’s calling for inner peace and happiness, there are a few rules you can embrace and follow in your life. These rules helped many people over many centuries acquire inner peace, reconciliation with their heart’s desires and happiness.

Here they go:

• Listen to your heart: Sometimes our mind enters into conflict with our hearts. I have been there endless times.  You think that something is the right and sensible thing to do but your heart would be beating to a different drum. This can build anxiety and a general dissatisfaction you can’t really put a finger on. Give space to your inner voice, your intuitions and your feelings. Learn to turn your awareness inwards and recognize your inner motivations.

• Don’t take things personally: Taking things personally means interpreting life from an ego-centered point of view. It’s about I, me and mine. This leads to a very blinkered vision of life in which the ego reacts badly to every petty thing such as criticism, strange looks, misplaced words, etc. What happens is that we end up too subjective and emotionally disturbed for things which when we see from a more detached point of view seem futile and unworthy.

• Forgive: A heart can never be at peace with grudges and anger. Whatever wrong people might have done to you, when you carry the grudge in your heart you are also carrying the mistake. You relive it every time. Let go of it and travel with a light heart.

• Accept: This is by far the most effective path to inner peace. When you accept that which you cannot change or control, instead of struggling against it, your heart is open and at peace.

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