When you think of the term “inner peace”, what ideas or thoughts come to your mind?
It may invoke ideas of calmness, balance, contentment, a sense of being free from external pressures of life or inner turmoil, and perhaps a state of mind, body, and spirit being in harmony!
It may also invoke the idea of a tranquil place or setting, an environment like a serene forest or beach which lets you relax and feel at ease.
It may also invoke the idea of a stable, secure, and unshakeable state where life’s ups and downs don’t upset you.
It may also bring to you the idea of a sort of mastery of your mind and becoming free of the mind’s control over you.
The notion of “inner peace” may invoke different ideas in different people.
However, I’ve found one thing in common that cuts across many people I’ve talked to.
How Do Most People See Inner Peace?
They view inner peace as something that can only be achieved once they have dealt with the demands of their daily lives—essentially, once their “worldly affairs are set.”
They think of inner peace as a lofty goal that is difficult to reach during life’s hustle and bustle.
They think that inner peace is something to achieve in the future, once they have secured financial stability, success in their career, or resolved personal issues.
In effect, they see inner peace as a reward for having “made it” in life, rather than as something that can co-exist with daily struggles.
Another common thing I’ve noticed is that people believe that inner peace is not compatible with the modern, fast-paced world, and the competitive and stressful environments they are in.
As a result, they feel that the experience of inner peace can come only if they escape from their daily grind, leading to the idea of wanting to “peace out” from their lives.
They cannot imagine integrating inner peace into their everyday experiences.
All this leads to a personal mindset which is consistent with the broader societal belief that inner peace is something elusive, and attainable only in a life free of stress, conflict, and responsibilities.
This leads to the assumption that inner peace is incompatible with modern life, impossible while participating in the rat race.
But is this true? Is inner peace a lofty and unattainable goal? Is inner peace not compatible with modern life?
We need to look closely at these assumptions about inner peace.
What Is Inner Peace?
The very wording, “inner peace,” implies that peace is something inside you.
If it is inside you, it must be a part of you.
If it is a part of you, where is it to be found?
Inner peace cannot be in the body, because, if you pay attention to the language you use, you refer to “peace of mind,” not “peace of body,” correct?
So, “inner peace” must be in the mind.
But is that true?
Mind is merely one thought after another… isn’t this how you experience the mind at work?
The anatomy and physiology of the brain is not important in this inquiry.
How do you experience your mind?
One thought after another.. often so fast paced, tangled, and running in streams of thoughts, but always one thought after another.
Thoughts may be fed by beliefs, experiences, desires, expectations, judgments, and myriad other factors, but mind’s expression is merely one thought after another.
Do thoughts and even trains of thoughts bring you the experience of “inner peace”?
No!
It is the monkey-mind occupied with 60,000 or more thoughts a day that obscures the experience of “inner peace.”
So, inner peace is not in the running mind.
When the mind comes to a halt, it brings forth the experience of peace.
You don’t have to believe me.
Look back to an experience where you’ve noticed this yourself – perhaps you were out in nature and experienced a stunning landscape that took your breath away and quieted your mind – there, the experience of peace naturally arises.
The same happens in listening to a piece of music, or seeing a stunning piece of art, and so forth.
It is when the monkey-mind stops that peace is felt.
So, peace must exist in you before your rising and running mind.
But what exists before your mind?
Inner peace, as we are discovering in this inquiry, is not in the body, and not in the mind.
Where is inner peace inside you?
Peace arises as the natural experience of calmness from within you, when moving mind comes to a stop.
This inner peace exists within you before your experience of body and mind.
This inner peace is also present always, because no matter where you are, no matter the time or setting, inner peace can arise into your experience as calmness.
i.e., Inner peace is ever-present within you, obscured by the monkey-mind.
The great awakened master, Ramana Maharshi has pointed to this.
“Peace is the inner nature of humankind.” — Ramana Maharshi
Inner peace is your own real nature, ever-present, unchanging.
Your experience of inner peace as calmness, tranquility, serenity etc. may come and go – and that has everything to do with the states of your moving mind.
But inner peace itself is unchanging, ever-present.
Unchanging inner peace is your original nature.
In other words, what your heart opens you to, and what your spirit truly is, is unchanging inner peace.
The Nature of Inner Peace
Inner peace is your real nature.
Your experience of inner peace comes and goes, but inner peace itself is ever-present and unchanging.
All your experiences come and go, they are inherently transient.
However, inner peace itself is ever-present and unchanging.
This is not theology or philosophy.
This lends itself to direct verification through your experience.
When you experience inner peace, the most easily recognizable aspect of it is the experience of calmness.
Where you may have felt agitated or perturbed by your thoughts and feelings before, calmness is a welcome experience.
When you feel calm, you can see things more clearly, you can experience things more directly, you can begin to think in clear terms.
Where calmness is, clarity is.
When you are calm, your mind is not moving into the past or the future.
Rather, you are present.
Lao Tzu’s teaching affirms this.
“If you are depressed you are living in the past if you are anxious you are living in the future, if you are at peace, you are living in the present.” — Lao Tzu
When you are present, you are more able to respond to life than react to it, and this is a wise way to live.
Where calmness is, wisdom is.
When you are feeling calm, you are not drowning in fears, anxieties, and self-doubt.
Rather, when you are calm, you’re naturally courageous.
Where calmness is, courage is.
When you are feeling calm, your energies are not leeched off by negative thoughts and draining feelings.
Rather when you are calm, you’re naturally strong.
Where calmness is, strength is.
When you are feeling calm, you are not judging others or the experiences around you.
Rather, when you are calm, you’re naturally empathetic and kind.
Where calmness is, compassion is.
When you are feeling calm, you are not confined within set ways of thinking, you are not confined to a box.
Rather when you are calm, you’re naturally open to ideas out of the box.
Where calmness is, creativity is.
Such is the nature of calmness, the experience of unchanging inner peace.
The Benefits of Inner Peace
When you are calm, you have clarity, wisdom, courage, strength, compassion, and creativity.
These are the ingredients you need to make wise decisions and take powerful actions, which in turn, are the very things you should do to orient yourself towards success and fulfillment.
Calmness is the experience of inner peace.
Not only does calmness beat stress, eliminate fears and anxieties, dissolve judgments and anger, calmness also helps you tap into everything you need to succeed and experience fulfillment.
This is what Wayne Dyer, beloved spiritual teacher also said:
“Being relaxed, at peace with yourself, confident, emotionally neutral, loose, and free-floating — these are the keys to successful performance in almost everything.” — Wayne Dyer
Something as simple as calmness can unleash your inner power into your everyday life.
Cultivate Inner Peace and Unleash Your Inner Power
The renowned Buddhist monk and teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh said:
“Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy and serenity.” — Thich Nhat Hanh
Inner peace need not be a distant, lofty goal.
You can cultivate inner peace and experience it every breath you take and every step you make.
Why should you do this? Why should you cultivate inner peace?
Martin Luther King Jr. said:
“One day we must come to see that peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but that it is a means by which we arrive at that goal.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
Pause and consider this.
What Martin Luther King Jr. says about peace in the world is true about inner peace too.
Inner peace is not a distant goal.
Inner peace is the means to arrive at that goal.
Inner peace is your inner power.
When you cultivate inner peace, you unleash your inner power into your life.
What can the consistent experience of calmness do for you?
What can natural, steady access to clarity, wisdom, courage, strength, creativity, and compassion do for you?
Inquire within and find out for yourself.
The Paradigm Shift of Inner Peace
Inner peace is how you remain calm during life’s storms, while working toward your goals with clarity and wisdom, courage and strength, creativity and compassion.
By unleashing your inner power, you orient yourself better toward success and fulfillment in your life.
Can you see how mistaken the idea is, that inner peace is a lofty, impractical, and unachievable goal in modern life?
Can you see how inner peace is your inner power?
Can you see how vital it is to cultivate inner peace so you can connect to your inner power and unleash it in your daily life?
Knowing what you do now about inner peace, does it make any sense to ignore your inner power as you plow through life’s hardships and ups and downs?
This is all well and good in theory.
But how to make this practical?
How to make this work within the confines of the stressful, busy, daily life? How to make it fit in the context of the modern rat race?
For this, you must know how to cultivate inner peace, and that is the subject of our next article in this series.
About the Author
Sundar Kadayam is an author, spiritual teacher, mentor, and healer. Midway through his 34 year career as a technologist and entrepreneur, life circumstances pushed him into an unlikely journey toward healing and awakening. His offerings provide guidance on self care and healing, self transformation, and self realization.
Charles Jagodic is one of the coaches that we found this month and we did a little interview with her. She impressed us with her goodness and dedication.
She is, before everything else, a mother and wife originally from Africa and now living in France. She says that the complexities of life often requires more than just conventional wisdom, they call for a deeper, holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.
She embodies this philosophy in her work as a holistic and spiritual coach. With a profound understanding of the challenges faced by individuals, particularly those battling addiction, she offers guidance that is deeply rooted in her own life experiences and cultural background.
Her coaching style is uniquely innovative, combining the timeless teachings of Christ with modern personal development techniques. This powerful blend helps her clients, ranging from adult men and women to youth struggling with substance abuse, to discover their true selves, uncover their life purpose, and connect with something greater. Through her work, she has helped many find real joy, peace, and a sense of direction, making her a beacon of hope and transformation for those seeking meaning in their lives. Here is what she said.
Meet Life Coach Charles Jagodic:
Name: Charles Jagodic
Pillar: The Spirit
Who is this coach for: Anyone who wants to find their vision, their purpose, and values.
How they can help: By using various tools and techniques as well as materials from the teachings of Christ, personal development, and various books.
First of all, how are you and your family doing after these Pandemic times?
I am very well, my family too.
We are doing well despite the pandemic.
How did the coronavirus pandemic affect your clients? Did it affect you at all?
I don’t have any problem with the coronavirus in my family.
We were sometimes sick but all is well now.
About my clients, I cannot give an answer because I am new coach, I am at the beginning of my work.
But I know many people who were affected psychologically and all.
What are the biggest lessons that you learned in this pandemic?
The importance of relationships (the benefits of hugs, to be together physically).
The Origin:
Tell us about you, your career, how you started with your coaching career?
Mother, Wife, I am coming from Africa and live with my family in France.
I work as holistic and spiritual coach.
I guide people who want to give meaning to their lives and I work with men, women, and youth (between 10 to 25) old who fights against drugs.
My life path is the basis of my work.
What was your biggest obstacle that you had to overcome in your life that made you who you are today?
My culture and my childhood.
The Coaching Style:
How do you innovate with coaching your clients?
My approach in coaching takes into account the person as a whole.
What’s unique about your coaching approach?
The teachings of Christ in combination with personal development.
What benefits do your clients get after working with you?
My clients discover who they are, their values, the purpose of their life, the connection with something more great, vision, real joy and peace.
Do you use any specific tools to be efficient with your clients?
I use my experiences, my testimony, teachings of Christ, personal development, and books (Transactional analysis, The Karpman Drama Triangle and others)…
The Impact:
If you had a super megaphone that, when you speak into, the whole world will hear your message, what would you say?
I would say you cannot love someone if you don’t love yourself.
It’s writting “Love thy neighbour as thyself”
It’s the door for real life.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in your life?
Love is the most powerful weapon there is, and exists againt all evils.
“Learn to love yourself” means learn to love deeply another one.
Your final thoughts?
If you have any questions do not hesitate.
Good regards.
Where Can You Find Charles Jagodic?
If you liked this interview and if you would love to find your purpose, your values and vision, go to her LinkedIn profile and connect with coach Charles.
Or, you can send her a direct message on her Email [email protected]. It was an honor having this interview with her.
Have you ever felt like your path has vanished, leaving you disoriented and helpless?
If you have, know that you’re not alone.
This experience of feeling lost and uncertain is a common precursor to significant personal growth and transformation.
While it may seem unsettling, it’s often a powerful sign that you’re on the verge of profound change.
The Signs of Transformation
Feeling lost is not just a random emotional state, it’s a signal that you’re moving toward a more authentic and purposeful path.
According to Carl Jung, the renowned psychiatrist,
“The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.”
Why is it terrifying?
Because in order to find your true self you need to lose your current self, for a while.
You need to get lost so you can find yourself!
You need to forget the old idea you have about yourself, about your life, and be open to the possibilities.
This acknowledgment of feeling lost can be a crucial step toward understanding and embracing your true self.
When you encounter this feeling, it’s often because your deeper purpose is trying to emerge.
Imagine it as your inner calling, waiting eagerly in the wings of your consciousness, ready to break through the distractions and chaos of daily life.
This deeper purpose may have been waiting patiently for you to acknowledge and act upon it.
The Natural Response to Uncertainty
Our immediate response to such feelings of disorientation is typically panic.
The survival part of our brain wants to cling to what is familiar and safe, pushing us to do more, more thinking, more planning, more busyness.
The human mind loves to be certain.
This instinctive drive aims to shield us from the discomfort of the unknown.
But the world and life itself is uncertain, that’s the only certain thing.
And as Dr. Brene Brown, a research professor known for her work on vulnerability, asserts,
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing, it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
Instead of running from the uncertainty, we should embrace it.
Embracing the Discomfort
Instead of giving in to the urge to seek safety in familiar routines, use this period of uncertainty as a chance to deeply reflect.
Withdraw from the external noise of daily life and ask yourself:
What is your inner voice trying to communicate? What hidden truths are emerging?
Research in mindfulness and self compassion, such as the work by Dr. Kristin Neff, indicates that periods of discomfort can be invaluable for personal growth.
According to Neff,
“Self compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.”
This approach encourages us to be gentle with ourselves during these times of uncertainty.
Harnessing the Potential of Uncertainty
This transitional phase, while chaotic, is filled with potential.
It is an opportunity to discover insights and wisdom that can propel you forward.
This is a time to engage with your deeper self and clarify what you truly want out of life.
Consider the story of Steve Jobs, who faced numerous setbacks early in his career.
After being ousted from Apple, he found himself feeling lost but used this period to explore new ventures and ultimately returned to Apple with renewed vision and purpose.
Jobs’ experience underscores how periods of uncertainty can lead to extraordinary transformation and innovation.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Embracing this period of uncertainty can lead to a more authentic and aligned path.
It’s not the end but the beginning of a journey towards a more fulfilling and successful reality.
By facing the discomfort and exploring the deeper truths within yourself, you prepare to move forward with clarity and confidence.
As we look to the future, the definition of success and fulfillment is undergoing a profound transformation.
No longer confined to traditional markers like status, wealth, or knowledge accumulation, success is increasingly being measured by deeper values such as authenticity, character, and meaningful service.
This shift reflects a broader cultural evolution, as the next generation redefines what it means to live a successful and fulfilling life.
The Historical Shift in Definitions of Success
Historically, success was often linked to tangible markers of achievement.
In the early 20th century, the industrial revolution and subsequent economic boom popularized the notion of success as climbing the corporate ladder, acquiring wealth, and gaining social status.
“The American Dream”, as articulated by James Truslow Adams in 1931, was defined by the pursuit of prosperity and upward mobility.
However, as we moved into the late 20th and early 21st centuries, societal values began to shift.
The rise of the internet, globalization, and increased awareness of social issues introduced new perspectives on success.
Research by sociologist Robert Putnam in his book “Bowling Alone“ highlighted a decline in social capital and community engagement, signaling a growing disconnection between traditional success metrics and personal fulfillment.
Beyond Knowledge and Status: The New Markers of Success
1. Authenticity:
The pursuit of authenticity is at the forefront of this transformation.
Unlike the superficial markers of success, authenticity involves a deep alignment with one’s core values and beliefs.
This shift can be traced back to the humanistic psychology movement of the 1960s and 70s, led by figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, who emphasized self actualization and personal growth over societal expectations.
A study published in Harvard Business Review found that employees who perceive themselves as authentic are more engaged and satisfied with their work.
This suggests that authenticity not only enriches personal lives but also enhances professional environments.
2. Character:
In today’s evolving definition of success, character has become a crucial element.
Traits such as integrity, empathy, and resilience are now recognized as essential for true achievement.
This focus on character reflects a broader cultural shift towards valuing ethical behavior and emotional intelligence.
The moral philosophy of Aristotle, particularly his concept of eudaimonia, living in accordance with virtue, parallels modern views on the importance of character.
Aristotle argued that true fulfillment comes from living a life of virtue, a concept that resonates with today’s emphasis on ethical behavior and personal integrity.
Why is this change happening?
Today is easier to open a business or start a career than in any other time of human history.
You can do that from your home with a lap top or even a phone.
But because it’s so easy, and anyone can do it, the filter that separates the good, the bad, and the ugly, from the truly great ones is character.
We know of many large companies losing their integrity and ruining the earth itself with their actions, and we also know of many small businesses that have unshakeable character.
They cannot be bought and they stand for what they stand no matter what.
This is what we mean by character, someone you can rely on in the midst of all the noise.
3. Service:
Service oriented leadership is gaining prominence as a defining feature of success.
This approach emphasizes using one’s skills and resources to positively impact communities and address global challenges.
The philanthropic efforts of figures like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, who have pledged to give away the majority of their wealth, exemplify this shift towards service and legacy building.
A research showed that individuals who engage in acts of service and community involvement report higher levels of personal satisfaction and well being.
This underscores the idea that contributing to the greater good can be a powerful source of fulfillment.
Inspiring Through Action: Leading by Example
The next generation understands that true influence and inspiration stem from living authentically and leading by example.
This means demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges, showing empathy towards others, and making decisions that prioritize long term impact over immediate gains.
In this evolving paradigm, success is increasingly defined by the positive influence we have on others and the world.
It’s about fostering inclusive environments, championing diversity, and promoting sustainable practices.
This new approach challenges us to rethink how we measure success and encourages a shift from individualistic pursuits to collective well being.
As we navigate this changing landscape, let’s embrace and nurture a generation that values authenticity, character, and service.
By focusing on these foundational principles, we not only empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives but also contribute to creating a more compassionate and just world.
Let’s inspire through our actions and embody the change we wish to see in the world, redefining success as a journey of personal and collective growth.
When I sit down to write an article or create a podcast, I’m deeply inspired by the incredible support and encouragement I’ve received throughout my life and career.
This journey has been marked by joys, challenges, frustrations, fears, and victories.
Each of these experiences has shaped who I am today and fuels my passion for sharing my skills and creating a meaningful impact.
This is why we are here:
To share our skills.
To create impact.
Our purpose here is clear: to make a difference.
It starts with You!
It all starts with believing in your talent, feeling proud of your style and your confidence because…
Just look at what you’ve already achieved!
Look at what your skills have accomplished!
Look at how you’ve made your mark wherever you have gone!
Your journey has left a trail of impressions and tangible impacts wherever you’ve gone.
These are not just achievements, they are the testament to your dedication and capability.
You’ve created impressions and tangible impacts.
Don’t forget that!
Bring all of that with you each time you ‘show up ‘ in all of the ways that you show up (in person, on the phone, on video, in writing).
5 Ways How to Showcase The 100% of All The Best You Can Offer:
1. Share your journey, the good and the bad.
Including both your triumphs and challenges, and highlight key achievements with specific examples and quantifiable results.
A well told story can make you memorable and relatable.
2. Optimizing your online presence is also crucial.
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date with a professional photo, a strong headline, and detailed descriptions of your roles and achievements.
Engage on professional platforms by sharing relevant content, commenting on industry trends, and participating in discussions to demonstrate your expertise and thought leadership.
3. Networking strategically is essential.
Attend industry events, conferences, and webinars to connect with professionals and stay updated on trends.
Joining professional associations can also expand your network and provide access to additional resources.
4. Remember who you are.
Before you create the new post, the new video, the new podcast…
Remember what you went through to be where you are now.
Remember your struggles and your triumphs.
Remember who you are at your core and what you stand for.
Prepare like you are preparing for a battle and start creating.
It’s so easy to forget who we are and our greatness, especially when we create content or when we network.
We tend to downplay our greatness, but that serves no one.
Remember the power of your skills and shine with all of your power!
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Among the many ways that FastTrack2yrdreamjob Program helps talented professionals land their dream jobs is by understanding their skills, challenges, passions, goals, and values.
By helping them illustrate, demonstrate, and showcase the tremendous impact that their skills and expertise has had throughout their career and life path.
Sharing it in their written narratives and their verbal presentation.
If you aren’t landing interviews, or your 1st interview performance isn’t leading to a 2nd interview, let’s fix that now.
I’ll help you land your dream job.
It starts with your free phone consult.
The award winning FastTrack2YrDreamJob program is money back guaranteed.
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ConsciousIntegratedTherapy (CIT) is a holistic integrative psychotherapy approach to improve conscious and reduce unconscioussness for improved mental health.
This can blend seamlessly with TrancePlan Hypnotherapy.
As there is universal consciousness the person is affected by society and has the potential to change first within.
What Exactly is CIT?
Conscious Integrated Therapy (CIT) is a holistic approach to therapy that combines traditional therapeutic techniques with mindfulness and body based practices.
CIT focuses on helping clients to become aware of the present moment and to develop greater insight into the root causes of their distress.
This approach is based on the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected and can be used to gain insight into our experiences.
Through CIT, clients can learn to access their inner wisdom, build resilience, and develop the capacity to live with greater ease and joy.
CIT can help clients to gain clarity and insight into their current struggles, as well as to develop new skills and strategies for managing difficult emotions and situations.
What do I want in therapy? Who is asking? Who am I?
How can one change something without knowing “Who am I”?
Often people will not be able to get the most enjoyment from life and be conditioned to not expect long term bliss state higher consciousness.
Associating with unreal identity produces symptoms such as unconscious resistance, confusion, procrastination, inner conflict, depression, anxiety, ptsd.
Like a funny house hall of mirrors each reflection appears to be real.
Often times the mirrors are cracked and broken.
And like the song goes, “there’s a crack in everything that’s how the light gets in”.
We seek for help in guidance only when there is a problem.
But we can prevent the problems to a great extent listening to our inner selves.
This increases self awareness in the mind and body connection.
When we become aware of our true identity, we can start to change the things that we want to change.
We can start to make conscious decisions and take conscious actions that are in alignment with our true nature.
We can start to develop our own understanding of who we are, and how we want to live our lives.
We can start to create our own reality, and manifest our dreams and goals. We can start to create our own destiny.
You are that not this.
The Upanishads have declared,
tat tvam asi
तत्त्वमअसि
“you are that, not this.“
This means that you are not only your body, mind, or personality, but also the eternal essence that is the source of these things.
To change something, you must first understand who you really are, and then you can use that knowledge to make changes that will lead to lasting happiness and fulfillment.
By understanding your true identity, you can begin to make choices that are in alignment with your true nature and that will bring you greater peace, joy, and contentment.
If you constantly keep this in mind, then you are already into the spiritual life.
What happens is that all of us play a role in this world, every one of us: Husband, wife, businessman, producer, actor, worker etc.
To play the role is alright.
You play a good role and then what happens?
When you go home, are you still playing the role?
Or have you wiped off your grease paint and you’re back to who you are?
Don’t forget that you are not what you are projecting.
Because it’s a role, you can’t carry it into real life.
So, what is real?
The reality is that you are the self, the inner self.
I’m that which is an essence, a part of the all pervading supreme reality.
If this thought occurs, then you see the supreme being in every little leaf and grain of sand.
It has to settle down, absorbed within, and then you see the inner and the outer as the same.
