Portable Peace
It is easy to maintain a sense of inner peace when we are at home or in a sacred space of our own creation. We can filter what comes in to our environment. We can choose noise or not, interruptions or not. But when we step outside into the “real” world, with its unmitigated noise and human interactions, our peace can quickly slip away. Consider carrying some “portable peace” with you wherever you go, literally holding onto the peace you’ve acquired.
The notion of portable peace involves using “touchstones,” sacred objects we can carry with us wherever we go; tokens of tranquility, which when looked upon or touched, remind us to stay centered and calm.
My portable peace today is a mala (prayer) bracelet, specially crafted for me by a dear friend. I wear it every day. When I see it on my wrist, I am reminded of my commitment to walk a peaceful path in life. The large bead in the center reminds me of my personal icon of inner peace—His Holiness the Dalai Lama. When I feel stressed or rushed, I will often rest my other hand upon it, or remove it and hold it in my two hands, and offer a prayer of some sort. I can do this while waiting in the car or office, in line in a store; wherever I find myself. I carry my peace with me wherever I go. You can, too.
Identifying Your Token of Tranquility
Take a few minutes to sit quietly and reflect upon what you might carry with you or wear that will remind you of your (always accessible) inner peace. A pendant or bracelet? A picture or photograph? A prayer card or written mantra? A shell or stone? Scan your home and possessions to locate something that will work for you. Or, if you like, purchase a new touchstone to serve this special purpose.
Once selected, infuse it with your intention, your desire to be at peace wherever you are. You may want to bless it with a prayer of your choosing; dedicate it to a specific loved one, guide, teacher, saint, or deity. Or, you may simply want to hold it in your hand and say these words:
“I vow to re-orient myself toward peace, to be a purveyor of peace in the world, and may this object help me walk this sacred path.”
Do you have "portable peace"?
I'm eager to hear ...
~~~
This post can also be found at Michigan Women's Forum. It's an installment of my monthly column, "Pockets of Peace." Subscribe or learn more. Read more "Pockets," too. May peace be yours today!
A late breaking P.S. Visit Shine the Divine to read more about how one woman crafts peace from sacred momentos. Thank you, Laura, for finding your way to my blog and sharing yours. Blessings!
Together we repair the world. Tikkun Olam!Prayer bead image courtesy of bbc.co.uk. Peace stone courtesy of Serenity Stones.
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27 comments:
This is wonderful...it is so easy to get lost in mindwebs like anxiety, fear, anger (perhaps they are the same spider in various costumes?)...having a tiny treasure to gently guide us back to "this moment" is a creative and compassionate way to herd our divided selves back to the oneness of "now".
I love this and will encourage my readers to check out this post. I'm also adding you as a link to my blog
http://orli-shines.blogspot.com/ aka: shine the divine: creativity as a spiritual practice.
gentle steps,
Laura
Oh my gosh, I don't have portable peace per se, but I could sure use some! I've been back and forth between my boyfriend's house (an hour away) since he's been home from Iraq. When I go there for a day or so, I feel disoriented. I'm such a creature of habit that my mind overrides my energetic sensibilities toward peace. When I don't recognize familiar patterns, I allow myself to get thrown. That's why I started meditating over there, and taking more time to be in nature (he's a farmer at heart, so there's lots of land to roam).
This post is fantastic; it's prompted me to step up my portable peace efforts, and I'm grateful to be reading these words here today, Jan. Thank you! (PS - the rosary beads I just acquired look exactly like the wooden ones you have pictured at the top of the post! Wow!)
I think I have portable peace, and didn't even realize it! A few years ago, I slipped the price tag from a live Christmas tree we'd purchased into my coat pocket. It's still in that pocket, and whenever I wear that coat, just touching that tag, or pulling it out and showing my daughters, brings us to a very peaceful, contented day :)
Laura, I so appreciate your comments here. The word you use "mindwebs" speaks volumes....A tiny treasure DOES guide us back to our compassionate selves and our Oneness.
I've added your link, too. I love your blog. Thanks so much for finding me. And I so appreciate the post you crafted today based on mine. Wonderful!
Megan,
Busy lady! Going back and forth does cause consternation and disorganization. (What we do for love, LOL) Your beads could definitely be your portable peace. I'd love to hear if you craft more for yourself. :-)
Joanne,
This is such a great comment. A tag from a Christmas tree, how dear. I love that it reminds you of happy family times and connection.
That is lovely...my Mom has Rosary beads that she likes to carry. I don't have anything. I could use something... I am not feeling very peaceful as of late...this morning I plan on meditating and going inward.
Hi Jan,
I used to have a prayer beads that would act as my portable peace. Eventually, I realized that I needed to train myself to be that centered without the beads. I felt that I was no where near that but knew that is where I wanted to be in the future.
Many years later, my prayer beads broke in a manner that was so strange. I was so upset because I just loved them and thought about replacing them. But then it hit me that maybe this was God's way of telling me that the time had come to stop using the beads as a reminder. So that is what I did. :)
And the Dalai Lama is my example too. He is just so amazing.
Dear Jan,
A little bit of moisture came to my eyes as I read this post. I love this:
"When I feel stressed or rushed, I will often rest my other hand upon it, or remove it and hold it in my two hands, and offer a prayer of some sort. I can do this while waiting in the car or office, in line in a store; wherever I find myself. I carry my peace with me wherever I go. You can, too."
That is so beautiful. I love that I could help you have something tangible to center with. It's so helpful!
Laura (another Laura!)
Caroline,
I do hope you find that very special symbol of portable peace to carry with you. I'm sure you have many special little tokens or momentos from your lovely life that could be blessed and dedicated for this purpose. Let me know what you uncover!
Nadia,
A great story, and what seems like a divine directive to "be the peace." This is wonderful. Unfortunately, I still struggle with anxiety on occasion and I find a special touchpoint does help. Though breath is the mainstay....May we all carry our peace within us with every breath we take. :-)
Laura,
My dear mala maker friend who shares herself and her gifts so generously. I can only imagine the beautiful stories so many people might share about wearing the beads you string together with such care. You are a blessing!
Two weeks ago I had a tattoo inked on the inside of my left wrist. "Psalm 46:10" Be still and know that I am God.
My intention was exactly as you describe here. To have it be a constant trigger for me, a reminder to heed those words, to breathe, be still, and have faith.
(P.S. I am so NOT a tattoo person) *wink*
I love this post. I carry with me either a healing stone, or a meditation stone. I pick one in the morning, think about the meaning, finger it throughout the day. Like Nadia mentioned I have lost some of my favorites, and when I first discover that feel a twinge of disappointment then realize it's because it's not necessary to have a literal reminder. what comes to mind as an example is one day on the beach I lost my Strength stone, and I began to fret over the possible meaning--oh no I lost my "strength". Was actaully thinking of combing that stretch of beach to find it. Then I realized it meant I have enough strength so to concentrate on something else, and leave that one for someone else to find. Kind of neat:)
Carolynn,
You are a brave one to receive a permanent reminder of portable peace. The scripture passage is one of my favorites. It does calm the mind and heart...
Joy,
This story of your Strength stone is profound and I am so glad you blossomed because of it, instead of succumbing to a message of loss. Good for you to look for the light in the situation. I had one of those Strength stones for eons. My, I wonder where it went. It is gone. I have seen it in ages. Hmmm....(Personally I love stones and seashells and have great fun collecting them and carrying them.)
Yes, I do, but it is an inner vision. I imagine myself sitting in Ganesha's lap and my peace is always restored(I always have an image of him with me), the other thing I do is silently sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" :-). Really, it is a wonderful song, if you think about it. xoxo
I carry a photo of me and my puppy dog in a hammock
it was taken during the first camping trip on our island property
one look and it reminds me
~soulspace~
:)
Hi Jan!
I love this article. I used to have such a device, a necklace I wore. Throughout the day whenever I would notice it it would bring me back to the things it represented to me. Served as a good reminder as well as grounding me once again.
Hi Jan - This is wonderful!!!! For years I carried a black onxy stone in my pocket. Then it was replaced by a rock with "Mother" written on it that I acquired at a journaling seminar exercise. Both now sit on my desk - too often I don't have pockets but I LOVE the whole idea of carrying something sacred. My coat pockets have dog treats in them at all times. It makes me think of rewards for good behavior. Does that count? :)
You've seen my mala, not exactly easy to wear:) You know, I have icons and objects, and pictures of things at work and home, but no object on me.
I use my breath, and visualization of compassionate presence. They seem to work.
Annie,
A beautiful and powerful image to work with. So loving and supportive, peace would surely come. :-) Cute about the song. Whatever works, I say!
Kel,
What a sweet bit of puppy dog love and peace. Very creative!
Keith,
Jewelry is a nice visible way to "remember." I have many friends who wear religious symbols (Om, Cross, Star of David) for just this reason. Perhaps you carry your peace within you now...
suZen,
The stone sounds lovely. Perhaps you could find something similar to carry in one pocket and dog treats in the other. That way, everyone is peaceful and at ease. (LOL)
Mermaid,
I am happy to know that you can carry the peace within you and access it when needed. Breath is that way for me too. :-) Powerful!
Hi Jan,
I first began carrying a touch stone in 1996 when I counseled in the prison. I was so distraught with anxiety my good friend Patti gave me a heart shaped stone and told me to put it in my pocket. When I was frightened to touch it and remember she loved me.
I also read the Daily Word and would often take my ink pen and write the word peace on the inside of my hand. I would see it several times a day as a reminder.
Then I began buying plain silver bracelets when my oldest daughter moved away with my new grandchildren. She was so frightened I had it engraved with the word trust. When my husband lost his job I asked to borrow it and she sent it to me. It is 8 years old and still being passed around. Don't ya love it.
I have one engraved with the word faith as well.
I've found I'll do what ever it takes to keep my peace and using a touch stone is a simple way to remember. Thanks again for the memories!
Hi Jan! I was intrigued before when you mentioned buying your mala beads. I like the idea of them reminding us to be mindful, etc. My oldest son used to have terrible separation anxiety so I had this little flat porcelain stone with a rainbow pattern on one side and the word "play" written on the backside that I would with him to school. Anytime he missed me or home, he was to hold this stone in his pocket and be reminded that we love him and would be with him soon. It helped him tremendously! I don't know why I haven't done something like this for myself. Seems like a great idea--and the mala beads on Laura's site are beautiful. Hmmm...food for thought! Thanks Jan!
Portable peace - what a beautiful topic, Jan. And such beautiful stories by everyone, too.
As I sat reading this and thinking of you rubbing your mala bracelet, I started mulling over what type of portable peace I might want to carry. As I calmed my monkey mind to find some peace and to focus on what I could use, I felt my breath slow and peace come over me ... and I realized that I was rubbing my crucifix and miraculous medal, giving me the answer right there. I wear them all the time (my mom wore the same combo, too) and I often realize that I'm rubbing them whenever I feel anxious and am looking for calm. They hang righ in alignment with my chakras, below the throat, above the heart. For now, these are my portable peace.
After my divorce this past year....a divorce that was difficult but necessary and ultimately therapeutic for my mental and spiritual health, I had to reframe how I saw myself and my place. I focused on my sons. I stopped wearing my wedding ring and replaced it with a new sterling silver ring that was actually a pair of interlocking rings. For me the two rings represents me and my two sons. One rings has 2 fresh water pearls and the other a single pearl. Me and my sons. The rings can tarnish, so it needs to be polished occasionally...tended to mindfully. I wear it on my middle finger...the center of my life, my work and all that I do and touch with that hand centers around my dreams for myself and my sons.
Hidden in day and in the tiny things of my daily life are many heartstones. Thank you for naming this for me. I have added you to my blog list of Good Company.
Lisa
Tess,
Wonderful examples of touchstones here! I do love the idea of the engraved bracelet that you were able to share with others in your family. A lovely gesture and keepsake, as well. :-) I can just imagine the peace it conveys.
Jodi,
Another touching story. Isn't it amazing how our little ones can be comforted by tokens infused with safety or love? I'm glad to hear that your son found ease by touching the stone. :-) My oldest daughter needed "Trouble Dolls" under her pilow, tiny figures in a magical box (made in Mexico) ensured she would have sweet dreams. Yes, Laura's malas are very, very special. :-)
Rose,
This is just wonderful to read. I'm happy you had this awareness with the crucifix and medal and what a lovely heirloom (bond) between your mother and yourself. :-) The way that you choose to wear them is especially powerful, aligning with the chakras.
Lisa,
Welcome! Such a touching story! Your new ring sounds like the perfect choice for you--to center you in positive thoughts and intentions--to bring you peace of mind and heart. An original, and inspiring idea! And an heirloom, too, that someday you can pass on to someone special. Glad you are here. I checked out your blog, too, and it is very soulful. :-)
I guess my portable peace is my little Moleskin notebook and my Pilot Precise V blue pen -- with those I could be anywhere in the world and still feel centered and at peace.
Ya know what I mean, Jelly Bean?
This is a very good idea. I used to wear a cross several years ago. The chain broke one day and I never bothered to have it repaired. I need to get back to wearing that cross.
The cross did a couple of things for me. It helped to calm me when the occasion was stressful. It reminded me of a commitment I had made to keep in my mind a particular grandchild of mine who was in need at the time.
Hi Jannie,
Oh, I like this. It sounds so you, and as someone who is highly creative, this would make absolute sense because when we affirm our creativity, we access inner peace. :-) WRite on!
SusieQ,
So glad this jumpstarted something in you. I hope you find the cross. :-) I love that you associated it with your grandchildren and prayers for them too.
I have read the blog post, Laura's post and now all the comments and feel blessed to have become aware of all the possible peace anchors.
I often have no pockets, I hardly wear any jewelery but I do have little memories on my desk I look at and I feel they lift my spirit.
For me often looking at a tree or a flower will bring me back to peace, or reminding myself that I AM a love child of God.
I never really tried a thing I could touch and I loved the stories of Tess and Lisa and Jodi.
Another awareness gained.
Wilma,
So happy to read your process around this. I do hope you find a little touchstone that affirms your peaceful self. We can all use a little help from our "friends," esp. those found in nature. :-) Blessings!
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