Peace Be With You

This week's quotes are on the topic of "peace."

What would we have to hold in compassion to be at peace right now? What would we have to let go of to be at peace right now?
~ Jack Kornfield

Just reading those questions makes me feel peaceful. They remind me that peace is always everywhere, and to be aware of it, I simply need to remove whatever is going on in my mind that is not peaceful. Sometimes, that's easier said than done, but it helps to be reminded that is my choice and fully in my power to do that.

There is no need to go to India or anywhere else to find peace. You will find that deep place of silence right in your room, your garden or even your bathtub.
~ Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Today, go to whatever place gives you a sense of peace. Enjoy it. Appreciate it. And then take that peace with you wherever you go.

There is a silence into which the world can not intrude. There is an ancient peace you carry in your heart and have not lost.
~ A Course in Miracles, Lesson 164

The light is behind whatever we see "out there", and what a lovely reminder from ACIM that we carry that light within.

Peace Be With You!

Stoplight Sutra

One practice that helps us to maintain an awareness of the ever presence of God is to form a habit of frequent, informal prayer. This is usually inspired by whatever problem or crisis we are currently facing, and the kind of prayer that results is often the "beg and bargain" variety. A more effective technique is to connect the act of praying with common occurrences in our lives - using the mundane as an invitation to place our attention on the qualities of Spirit.

My favorite practice of this sort is something I call the Stoplight Sutra, and it's very very simple. Whenever you come to a stoplight, you say a quick prayer.

If the light is green, the prayer is Green Light Gratitude - "Thank You Spirit for making the way before me easy. I am grateful for your grace and blessings today."

If the light is red, the prayer is Red Light Reflection - "Thank You Spirit, for this moment, this opportunity to pause, to be aware of Your Presence."

Easy!

Let Spirit Flow

"Let your mind and heart release all that disturbs you. Let your body be still, and all the frettings of your body, and all that surrounds it; let the earth and sea and air be still and heaven itself, and then think of Spirit as streaming, pouring, rushing and shining into you, through you, and out from you in all directions while you sit quiet."
~ Eric Butterworth, In the Flow of Life

What could be simpler? Nothing you have to do or say. Just be still. Let it go. Let Spirit Flow. The only thing stopping us is the habit of stewing and fixing. Just be still.