Peace Like Happiness
Peace, like happiness, is something we are all after. As a New Yorker and citizen of Western society, I often see people who are visualizing and manifesting things, people, and experiences that they believe will make them feel peaceful and achieve happiness.
New things become old, then we want new things. We become addicted to novelty and bored with routine and predictability.
People, connections, and relationships become old. We want new friends, new partners, new circles.
But then I hear, “It’s so hard to make friends at this big age!” No new friends, but where are the old ones? Day 1 friends?
It’s complicated. Peace like happiness. They are not the same but certainly connected.
Peace: Often described as a state of calm and tranquility, both internally and externally. It involves the absence of conflict, stress, or anxiety.
Happiness: Typically characterized by feelings of joy, contentment, and satisfaction. It is more dynamic and can be influenced by various factors, both internal and external.
Moments of peace, by definition, can be more easily identifiable. You know and you can feel when you are in a state of peace or chaos. Do you feel at ease? What does your body need right now? Am I experiencing an overwhelm of emotions or sensory overload? Is there too much going on right now? You may say: I am good right now. I feel peace. Or, I need to realign; change my setting, practice self-care, and then you will find peace. Happiness is different; defined as dynamic. Happiness changes and can vary from moment to moment. We often base our happiness on factors outside of ourselves. You buy the new shiny thing (handbag, shoes, car, new phone, etc.) and that feeling, often power of being able to afford yourself something nice and luxurious is great! I’m happy! Many people may also base their happiness on the status of their relationships being in a good place, minimal conflict, no major issues, getting along. Many people still struggle with finding internal factors for happiness which often includes being grounded in gratitude. Being thankful for all things, big and small, which allows your life to be what it is mostly by your decisions.
As a woman and a therapist, I think peace and happiness are very important components to the lived experience. I often wonder what are we also passing down as a legacy from our experiences chasing after peace and happiness? What work, knowledge, and wisdom can we pass down that will outlive us while on this journey? We amass wealth, possessions, and experiences that most times only we can experience first-hand. Our society and capitalist ideals are often criticized for being selfish while we go after what we are searching for. Peace and happiness are important; let us not forget about impact as well.
Peace, like happiness, is often considered a state of being that we are constantly trying to achieve. Both concepts share similarities and differences. People sometimes struggle with these two things because we often move the goalpost. Not to be confused with ambition which is a great driver for success and not becoming complacent, we lack satisfaction in achieving something we once desired. Remember last week’s blog when I said people are often waiting on the condition of when? When I have this thing, relationship, job status, vacation, fill in the blank, etc, then I will feel peace, happiness, joy, etc. Find gratitude for the moment without discrediting your efforts.
Here are five aspects to understanding peace and happiness:
Inner States:
Peace and happiness can coexist when there is a balance between internal and external experiences where we are not feeling great deals of emotional distress
Sustainability:
Peace: Tends to be a more stable and enduring state. Once achieved, it can be maintained through mindfulness, self-awareness, and a balanced lifestyle.
Happiness: Can be more fleeting and subject to fluctuations. It is often influenced by external events and circumstances, making it a more transient experience.
Sources:
Peace: Can be found through practices like meditation, mindfulness, and acceptance. It can be nurtured by creating a harmonious environment and resolving conflicts within oneself and relationships.
Happiness: Can come from fulfilling activities, relationships, achievements, and positive experiences. It is often sought after through goals and aspirations.
Interconnection:
Peace can be a foundation for happiness, providing a stable and calm environment where happiness can flourish.
Happiness can contribute to a sense of peace, as feeling content and joyful reduces stress and anxiety.
Philosophical Perspectives:
Different philosophies and cultures may place varying emphasis on peace and happiness. For example, some Eastern philosophies might prioritize inner peace as a path to true happiness, while some Western perspectives might focus on the pursuit of happiness as an ultimate goal.
Both peace and happiness are valuable and interconnected states that contribute to overall well-being. Striving for a balance between the two can lead to a more fulfilling and harmonious life. What do you need more of right now as of reading today’s blog? Peace, happiness, or both?
Thank you for reading today’s blog. Drop me a comment below.
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