Meditation and the 7 Steps to Inner Peace

By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/L._Meyer/460698] L. Meyer

If you want to experience inner peace, you don't need to travel to exotic locations, study with a yogi or lock yourself in a room and chant endlessly. Finding inner peace is a matter of taking time for yourself to quietly reflect on the stillness within you.

We're all so busy rushing from one thing to another, occupying our precious time with things that don't even need our immediate attention.

Sadly, we seldom take time for ourselves to be at peace.

Truth is the idea of someone having 20 minutes of free time to do nothing could very well put them in a panic! Most people wouldn't know what to do with themselves. That's because they don't know inner peace.

Inner peace is the reflection of within. It is the focus of the quiet stillness within you that gives you a sense of the kind of peace and relaxation that is without words. Meditation is the secret to finding inner peace. Inner peace is the secret to spiritual awakening and oneness with your spiritual self.

Here are some suggestions that will help you find inner peace.

1. Spend Time in Quiet Reflection

With all that's going on in the world today, one of the best things you can do to achieve inner peace is to minimize or eliminate reading newspapers and watching the news.

When we allow our mind to absorb the negativity that's around us, we become more detached from our spirituality and achieving inner peace.

When our mind has nothing to occupy it, it immediately feels insecure and looks for something to fill the void. That's when we instantly turn on the TV or surf the internet, anything to keep the mind busy.

Instead, when you find yourself with some free time, even if it's just 15 minutes, use that time to be still, to be by yourself, to focus inward. A guided meditation will help you take a huge leap forward toward inner peace.

2. You Are What You Think

We've been conditioned to think negativity - sad but true. People thrive on bad news, they buy it, they follow it, they seek it out. It's no wonder that so many people seem so unhappy and withdrawn, unable to escape the self-imposed wall of negativity they've build around themselves.

We must take the necessary steps to avoid negative thinking. You'll never be able to achieve inner peace when you're focused on the negative.

There's simply nothing at all to be gained by thinking negative thoughts.

Changing your way of thinking is not going to be easy - it doesn't happen overnight. But what steps are you willing to take to change your life and achieve inner peace?

You are the master of your mind, not the other way around. Take control of your thoughts and you'll not only take control of your life, but you'll achieve inner peace.

3. Simplify Your Life

"There never enough time in the day."

How many times have you heard someone say that? We fill our days up with so many chores, tasks and mundane activities and as a result, we don't stand a chance in achieving inner peace; simply because we don't take the time.

You want to meditate but have to get the laundry done. You want to spend some time to yourself but the grass has to be mowed. You want to sit down for just a few minutes but you have to vacuum first.

When you stop placing demands on your time, you'll feel a weight lifted from your shoulders.

Prioritize your time by tackling the big tasks first, plan time for yourself, then accomplish some of the smaller tasks, but at a comfortable pace. You'll find your day a lot less hectic and a lot more enjoyable.

4. Quiet Time Alone is the Foundation of Inner Peace

Each day we spend our time working for someone else, taking care of our families, cleaning, cooking, etc. Sadly, we never manage to find just 15 minutes to focus on inner peace.

Sitting quietly and simply listening to the breath allows the body and mind to relax.

This cultivates inner peace. There's no amount of money that will bring you inner peace. There's nothing "without" you that can bring you inner peace. It must come from "within" you, from within those quiet moments of solitude when there is only you and stillness.

If you have trouble stilling you mind, ask your angels to help remove those busy thoughts so you can focus on inner peace.

5. Be Immune to Flattery and Criticism

You must remember that it's not what others think, but what you think that matters. We certainly can listen to the criticism and flattery of others, but if we depend on them, we rob ourselves of inner peace.

Allowing yourself to be affected by people who bestow either flattery or criticism on you will inflate your ego which pulls you further away from inner peace.

Allow yourself to have a strong sense of confidence and self. Know that your opinions are ultimately the ones that matter. Don't criticize anyone but instead accept them for who they are. Leave the criticism to those who lack good judgment and self-confidence.

6. Act Selflessly

Act from the heart and reap the rewards!

Give selflessly of yourself. When we serve others in some form, the feelings of love, happiness and inner peace will envelope you like a big hug from someone you love.

7. Avoid Criticism of Others

It's vital that we empathize with others, to put ourselves in someone else's place.

We must be aware that everyone is fighting a battle of some kind. Criticism of others is a negative energy that deeply affects your sense of inner peace.

When we criticize, it's impossible to feel inner peace. Instead, make an effort to give your love and energy to others in need and in doing so that positive energy will have a wonderful ripple effect.

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Lori Meyer has been studying the metaphysical for over a decade. She has studied under many powerful and celebrated spiritual teachers including medium-clairvoyant Lisa Williams, Charles Virtue, William Lee Rand and Sandy Anastasi.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Meditation-and-the-7-Steps-to-Inner-Peace&id=3456953] Meditation and the 7 Steps to Inner Peace