Quell the Fires Within- The INSIDE JOB! 5 Ways to Create Peace

While studying peace building as a core learning experience in my masters program in transpersonal leadership at Atlantic University, I uncovered a nugget of tremendous value. In order to have external peace, it is an absolute necessity to first look within to understand the many facets of our internal wiring.

Our belief systems are a composite of familial, cultural, religious, ethnic, geographical and related filters through which we process our experiences. Without knowing, we unconsciously make choices dictated by these belief systems. The end result can lead to separation, division and very negative consequences from arguments to wars. Peace, while a noble aspiration, requires each of us to wake-up, tune in and become cognizant to our own internal fires that burn, sometimes raging and other times smoldering. Either way, external peace without personal attention to quelling our own fires simply will not occur.

The current world order is anything but peaceful. I often reflect on the incredible suffering and duress experienced by so many on the planet. Millions forced to flee their homelands due to random senseless killings by rogue militaristic regimes such as Boko Haram, al-Qaeda, Hamas and Hezbollah, to name only a few. But we need look no further than our own backyard to see the effects of historic prejudices and the longstanding injustice witnessed in the extreme disparity of incarceration of our black and Hispanic brothers and sisters. Institutions that thrive on policies of separation, bias and hatred are comprised of individuals who harbor and cultivate their own sense of righteousness and tribal mentality.

Breaking free of the tyranny of acceptance requires courage and a strong desire to change, not exactly an easy proposition for most people. But for those of us committed to building peace in our world, the investment of strength and courage is urgently necessary.

Here are 5 ways to quell the internal fires in creating peace.

1.  BECOME CONSCIOUS, WAKE-UP-

Turn off the autopilot and take the steering wheel of your life. Waking up is the first step to seeing truth within. Stop, focus and ask yourself important questions! Why do I act the way I do? What beliefs do I carry that are destructive and devaluing of people? Am I happy and fulfilled in my life? BE CURIOUS. 

2.  REFLECT ON YOUR EARLY CHILDHOOD-

Take the time to reflect, remember and identify those early childhood pain points, disappointments and harsh experiences that caused upset, hurt and misunderstanding. How do you feel about those events today? Do you carry the feelings associated with these painful memories with you? Who was involved in creating the hurt and emotional pain? Do you still carry resentment or anger or toxic thoughts as a result of your early experiences?

3.  ASSESS YOUR CURRENT LEVEL OF JOY, LOVE & FULFILLMENT-

After reviewing your early childhood memories, ask yourself how you feel about your life as it is currently. Do you live with a strong sense of joy and positivity? Does the professional work you do make your feel alive and contributing to a greater good? Are you surrounded by diverse loving friends and family? If not, why? What would it take to transform your life experiences?

4.  TALK WITH A PROFESSIONAL-

Whether a trained and licensed therapist, clinical psychologist, social worker, minister/priest/rabbi, or transformational life coach, seek the support of someone who can help you in identifying and effectively dousing the fires within. Unraveling the psychic entanglement can be risky business. Reach out and TALK!

5.  LEAD WITH LOVE, COMPASSION & UNDERSTANDING-

Stop living your life as a ‘reactor.’ You have the ability to choose differently in your life. Your beliefs, while indelibly imbued by a host of contributors, can be modified, enhanced, or even eliminated all together. Be proactive in living your life, choosing love over fear, understanding over prejudice, and acceptance over rejection. When you are conscious, you have the ability to make different choices. Just because it’s always the way you have acted, does not mean you can’t change your mind. You will never go wrong having the intentions of love, compassion and seeking to understand!