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It is my opinion that feeling peaceful is the most elevated of all emotions, yet it is the hardest to achieve. We all know loving, generous souls that struggle with certain areas of their life that rob them of their peace. Sometimes it is a health issue. Relationship issues often cause the most strife in our lives. How do we find peace when our health and our relationships are imperfect? When we are peaceful, our mind is not turbulent or filled with worry. Most of us are on a journey to learn to trust life. If you are not feeling peaceful, you are not alone. I find being out in nature makes me feel peaceful. You may find peace during meditation. Many find peace when fully engaged in some type of volunteer activity. Life will never be perfect and our fellow human beings will always be "human". Experiment with activities to see what works for you. Self acceptance and acceptance of others is also another way to bring yourself peaceful feelings. Any time spent being peaceful will improve your health and relationships. Below is a documentary about Joan Baez, Peace Activist and Folk singer and songwriter. I would imagine that Joan has not always been peaceful but she has advocated for peaceful non violent resolution of conflict all of her life. Following her conscience courageously on behalf of herself and others has left her a great legacy.  This is a newspaper clipping of my Dad back in 1970. As you can see, he was in opposition to Joan Baez and the peace movement. He served his country in the Korean War, coming home with three Silver Stars and the Purple Heart. Medals of honor and bravery in combat. He followed his conscience by protesting a movement that he believed was unpatriotic.. He was a life long member of the Democratic Party. The Peace movement was not supported by either party at that time. As a young child I was enamored with the songs of protest by Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez. I was also proud of my Dad. As you can imagine, this created an inner conflict. I believe in non violent resolution to conflict. I also believe in the right to self defense and the "right to bear arms". My conscience has made peace with these seemingly opposing views. Most certainly we must follow our conscience in the face of opposition. Opposition comes from people who do not care about us at all and from the people who love us the most. It has been my experience, that standing up to the people who love us when their conscience is in conflict with our own can be the most challenging. Holding a peaceful and loving stand in the face of opposition takes more courage than any type of fighting. These are my opinions based on my experience and my conscience. I fully respect that others may disagree! Here's to the evolution of non violent resolution of conflict. Let's help future generations to be raised with acceptance and inner peace.
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