Finding Inner Peace in Turbulent Times

Right now, many of us are seeking a sense of inner peace. Everywhere I turn, I hear from people feeling anxious, especially around the election season. So, I’m pausing my series on influencers to talk about cultivating inner peace.
I recently returned from a retreat where I had the privilege of learning alongside some incredible women. During the retreat, each of us took turns in what was initially called the “hot seat,” though it quickly became the “hot cheeks” time—an experience that had us all opening up in unexpected ways.

In this time together, we shared what was working in our lives, the challenges we were facing, and the support we needed. When it wasn’t my turn in the hot seat, I found myself fully listening to my colleagues, absorbing their viewpoints, and offering my support. It reminded me of a podcast with Simon Sinek, where he spoke with a peace negotiator about the importance of listening to foster peace.

This retreat experience got me thinking about how often my clients—my joyriders—come to me seeking inner peace. Yet, it’s rare that we listen to ourselves as deeply as we listen to others. Instead, our minds are filled with inner voices reminding us of our insecurities: “I’m not good enough,” “I’m gaining weight,” or “I’m not smart enough.” These thoughts drown out our intuition and prevent us from finding the inner peace we desire.

Finding that peace requires quieting our minds and truly listening to our bodies. Here are three ways to start:

1. Change Your Breathing

Try changing your breathing pattern for just a minute to engage your parasympathetic nervous system and promote calm. My favorite method is box breathing:
Inhale through your nose for a count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale through your mouth for a count of eight.
Repeat this three times, then take a moment to notice how you feel. Try doing this exercise three times a day, especially before meals. Many people find that mindful breathing enhances their eating experience.

2. Add Meditation to Your Day

Meditation doesn’t have to be a 20-minute ordeal. Even a quick 5-minute session can make a difference. I recommend the Pause Breathe Reflect app, which is available on Android and Apple. It offers a range of meditations from five to thirty minutes. I’m often surprised by how the app’s recommended meditation aligns with what I need to hear. The app has both free and paid versions—reach out to me if you can’t access the free version, and I’ll help you get a code.

3. Listen to Your Body

Do a body scan from head to toe, noting any areas of discomfort. Ask yourself what that discomfort might mean. Are your shoulders tight from tension? Does your stomach feel uneasy because you’re ignoring your intuition? Or is your heart racing from excitement about something? Our bodies often hold the answers if we take the time to listen.

Start Now

These practices may seem simple, but they can be powerful steps toward finding peace in an unsettled world. Take a few moments each day to reconnect with yourself—you may be surprised by the inner calm you discover.

If you want to learn more about how to find more joy in your life, schedule a daydreaming complementary meeting with me.