Inner peace is a good 2013 New Year's resolution

December 27, 2012

Inner peace is a good 2013 New Year's resolution

By Dr. John Stathas Lake Oconee Breeze Lake Oconee Breeze Thu Dec 27, 2012, 02:03 PM EST

LAKE OCONEE — It is a tradition for many people to take stock toward the end of the year and make resolutions to improve in certain areas during the following year. Have you done that?

Most people focus on the physical, partly because they ate and drank too much during the holidays. And that’s good; we all could firm up a bit through less caloric intake and more exercise output. How about a different, or additional, resolution for 2013? The goal would be less stress and a quest for more inner peace. Tough to argue against that.

So how do you get there – attain inner peace? First, you have to commit to a process of raising self-awareness and then focus on changes needed. I am continually amazed at how few people are truly reflective about the life they lead. A method I like and prescribe regularly is to keep a journal. Each day write down a number between one and ten. Ten is heavenly bliss, one is the pits. After you write the number, write a brief (most men) or longer version (most women) as to why you feel that way on that day. Over time you will raise you awareness and capacity to know what you feel and why you feel that way. Then you will be in a greater position to take charge of your life.

Once you have a clearer picture of what happens to cause certain feelings, including stress, you can implement a plan to develop “SYMPTOMS OF INNER PEACE”.

The author of this is unknown. See if you can develop these “symptoms”:

A tendency to think and act deliberately, rather than from fears based on past experiences. Stress = anxiety = fear.

2.An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment. Live in the now. (Carpe diem)
A loss of interest in judging others. There is only One Judge. You ain’t it!
A loss of interest in judging self. Judging is a put down. Work to get better by valuing yourself and bringing out the best, not being overly critical.
A loss of interest in conflict. Inner PEACE and conflict do not mesh well together. While there is a time and place for legitimate conflict, it is usually less than what exists.
A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others. Mind your own doggone business, and be less nosy and rumor mongering.
A loss of ability to worry. Worry changes nothing. Worry = anxiety = stress.
Frequent episodes of appreciation. See the good in others- and tell them.
Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature. Let down your defenses, expand your being, reach out and touch the good wherever you find it.
Frequent attacks of smiling through the heart. Some people plaster a falsetto smile that is not congruent with their inner being. Heart smiles are transparent to the core of the person. They have credibility.
Increasing susceptibility to kindness offered, and the urge to reciprocate.
An increasing tendency to allow things to unfold rather than resisting and manipulating. Is that what the Beatles meant with “Let it be”? Running away or forcing stuff to happen are usually based on negative thoughts, feelings and energy.

Do Inner Peace and this process offer something you may want to give a try for 2013? Hope so – HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Dr. Stathas can be reached at (706) 473-1780. E-mail: Stathas@plantationcable.net.

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