A Peaceful and Peace-filled Setting: Giverny, France

For so many, the period between Thanksgiving and New Years is fraught with challenges as families get together (or don’t) and old scores, unmet needs, unacknowledged concerns, simmering grievances, and cosmic clashes detract not only from the spirit of this time of year but from the ability of families and the individuals who comprise them to find a path to peace.

With the idea of promoting peace, or at least of discovering peace of mind, it is important to keep in mind the distinction between a thought and the thing you are thinking about; between the reaction you have and the external circumstance to which you are reacting, and between the injustice you experienced and the various responses that arise within you to counter the injustice.

As a famous teacher said, “When the mind looks outward, it is swayed by the heavy winds of the world. But, when the mind faces inward, we can find our center and rest in stillness.” With the idea that this holiday season we can find peace of mind as the eye in the center of the swirling storm, I offer these ancient worlds from St. Francis of Assisi.

While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.

If we at Partners in Healing can be of assistance to you as you encounter relational storms this season, remember: We are here. Don’t hesitate to give us a call.