Why I stopped praying for Peace

Sometimes I get the bright idea to pray for a trait I think I’m lacking — or to deepen a quality I want to embody more fully. This time around, I decided complete mental peace was the goal. Should be simple, right?

For those who know me fairly well, you’ve probably noticed I’m a lot more grounded these days. Calmer. Not as reactive. I can stay centered in situations that used to throw me off completely just a few years ago.

But there’s still that one area — the emotional territory that feels like a landmine. No matter how much my heart knows I’m safe and supported, my mind (or let’s be honest, my ego) wants to convince me that everything’s falling apart. It says I need to obsess and worry in order to fix it.

Here’s what I realized on my walk this morning: Praying for peace doesn’t just give you peace. It’s not like ordering something on online and getting it in two days. No, no. The Universe hears, “Oh, you want peace?” and replies, “Cool, here are some unsettling situations to help you develop it. ”Thanks, Universe. Really appreciate that. (That’s sarcasm, in case it wasn’t obvious.)

You might be asking: So how do we actually find peace? Glad you asked — here are my current, very unofficial, real-life-in-progress findings:

You find peace... piece by piece. Yeah, cheesy. But true.

Each moment gives us a choice: Do we let fear pull us off center and drag us into the spiraling rabbit hole of “what ifs”? Or do we choose to believe that everything is working out, even if we can’t see how just yet?

Peace comes when we take charge of our mental noise. When we remember that we actually have a say in what we focus on. Sure, sometimes that’s easier said than done. But what’s the alternative? Living in misery, worrying about things that probably won’t even happen?

So, let me be your friendly peace-bringer from the Universe today:

• It’s okay to believe everything is working out — even if it currently seems like a shit show.

• The thing you’re worried about probably won’t happen.

• And even if it does, you’ll handle it. You’ll be okay.

• Live your life. Have fun. Make space for joy, love, peace — all of it. Because life is short. And regrets suck.

• You can handle whatever comes up, you already have.

Loves ya bunches! Robin