April 18, 2020
As this time of crisis continues, one important action each of us can take is to cultivate a sense of peace and calm within ourselves, and then share those energies with anyone with whom we have contact, whether in person or via the various electronic devices we use.
The other thing we can do is find ways to help others through this crisis. Some are in a position to take actions that will affect many other lives, but the rest of us can find small things to do for those we know and for those most in need. In a previous email, I listed some local organizations that were helping others during this pandemic.
https://ameaningfullife.org/uncategorized/finding-peace-in-perilous-times/
Here are two national stories of those who are finding a way to help and serve:
https://www.politico.eu/article/coronavirus-heroes/
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/21/us/coronavirus-good-deeds-helpers-trnd/index.html
And here are two articles that suggest various ways we can help:
How You Can Help During The Coronavirus Outbreak – The Washington Post
9 Ways To Help Others During The Coronavirus Pandemic – The Idealist
As for cultivating inner peace, a few thoughts:
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” – Saint Francis de Sales
“If it costs your inner peace, it is too expensive.” – Anonymous
“Possession of material riches, without inner peace, is like dying of thirst while bathing in a lake.” – Anonymous
“Inner peace is priceless as it sprinkles everything you do with joy.” – Roz Fruchtman
“Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Outward peace is useless without inner peace.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” Dalai Lama
“To attain inner peace you must actually give your life, not just your possessions. When you at last give your life – bringing into alignment your beliefs and the way you live, then, only then, can you begin to find inner peace.” – Peace Pilgrim
“When you make peace with yourself, you make peace with the world.” – Maha Ghosananda
Some web sites and articles that can aid with the journey to inner peace:
https://gratefulness.org
http://www.dailygood.org
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/kindness-quotes
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/13/magazine/jack-kornfield-mindfulness.html
To be inspired by the words of others – with music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDyIeHPxdUg&feature=share
A video on Amazon about the life of a person in our time who seems to have found a large measure of peace: “Thomas Keating: A Rising Tide Of Silence”
A web site that provides ways to work on yourself:
https://www.heartmath.org/training/heartmath-experience/
And if you want an unusual, long, relaxing experience, try “Relax with Sheep”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrKkchVOOAs
May you be well,
May you find a measure of peace during this time of crisis,
May you find your way to serve,
David White