Peace in Our Hearts...Peace in Our World

We've all had days when we know we could have shown more kindness to others. I've seen mothers with young children in restaurants be short-tempered with the cashier taking their orders because they were frustrated with their children's behavior. I've seen people yell at customer service clerks because an item could not be returned. I've seen people at the pharmacy become upset with the pharmacist because their insurance wouldn't cover certain perscriptions.

From the outside looking in, we can see that these situations are quite unfair. Logically we can see that it's certainly not the restaurant cashier's fault that the children are misbehaving, nor is it the customer service clerk's fault that the item cannot be returned. Yet in that moment, we let frustration and anger take over and make us somewhat crazy. We lash out at the first person in our line of sight.

Paulo Coelho says, "We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation." There is also a famous quote that states, "Be kinder than usual, for each person is fighting a battle we know nothing about." Everyone suffers, so it is our responsibility to be aware of this suffering in others we meet along our journey through life.

We hear every day about activists fighting for world peace. They attend marches and hold signs. They yell chants and may sometimes, ironically, become violent in their quest to get their message across...to be heard. I say before we can have peace in our world we must first have peace in our own hearts.

The first thing we must do is Pause for Power. In our moments of frustration like the ones I mentioned above, we must take a step back and pause to see the bigger picture. We must choose patience, kindness, and understanding rather than allow anger and frustration to take over. It is in taking this time to pause that we do indeed take back our power and choose a more peaceful path that will in turn have a lasting effect on those around us. We must lead by example. If we want others to treat us with kindness and patience; if we want peace in our world, we must practice peace in our daily lives. Change begins with each and every one of us.

Next, we must take time out of our lives to calm our minds. Meditation and visualization are excellent ways to set the world aside for a few moments and take a journey inward. We must focus on our breathing and slow things down in order to recharge our inner power...to revamp those positive energies and flush out the negative things in our lives. We should never feel like there is not time to meditate. Make the time to meditate. It is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself...you deserve it!

And lastly, we must look at one another as if we were all brothers and sisters. Ask yourself, "Would I treat my brother or sister this way? Would I lash out at them or would I be patient and understanding?" Family is one of the most awesome treasures we have in this world. Think of how wonderful things would be if we treated each other like family rather than just some stranger we met on the street. We would practice a little more kindness each day; holding doors for people or saying a quick "Hello!" as we pass on the street. Each and every act of kindness and love makes a ripple in this world. You never know when one simple act of kindness will be the difference between someone having a bad day or a wonderful day.

It's one thing to talk about peace. It's quite another to make it happen. We each hold the power to bring peace to our world, we just have to choose to bring peace to our hearts and our lives first. Let's go out today and fill the world with positive vibes, spreading peace wherever you go. Make your ripple go a long, long way towards a more peaceful world.

Thank you for being with me in this space and remember, today is a gift...that's why it's called the present.

Take a few moments to reflect on these thoughts, share and discuss this blog. Your insights could help another reader, so don't hold back, share the love. Tell me what you think. What were you present to when you read this article, Peace in Our Hearts...Peace in Our World? I am so honored that you spent time in this sacred space with me. You make a difference in the Universe, always remember that! Now don't hold back, speak your truth! The Universe is listening.....!

Namaste,

Richa xoxox

Richa Badami is a transformation leader, meditation teacher, spiritual coach and mentor. She inspires her clients and students to create lasting transformation and success by leveraging their inner power. Her private and group programs have helped hundreds heal, transform and powerfully create lives that they love! To receive Richa's podcast, videos and blogs delivered right to your mailbox, subscribe to her bi-weekly newsletter "The Pause". For media inquiries send email to [email protected]