Freewriting Adaptation

The idea of peace fills me with a feeling of tranquility and inertia. There is no conflict, no anger, no aggression; a state of ease and joy. When we are at peace the worries of the world are lifted from our shoulders and we can live our lives with minimal anxiety. When I am at peace it means I’ve managed to tune out the various stresses of my day, be it annoyances in my classes, students who can’t understand basic algebraic concepts, or any of the other assorted failings of the modern education system.

Obviously, when I think of peace I also think of the things that keep peace from me and make it so elusive. I’m struck by the fact that when I think of peace I’m focusing more on my lack of peace than the peace itself. Another way I try to find peace in my own life is by going to a coffee shop or bookstore and tuning out the world by reading or writing and not dwelling on the day to day stresses of my life. This usually works despite the apparent contradiction of reading and writing about various problems both in my life and the world. At least when I’m reading or writing about these things, I feel empowered. Quite often my lack of peace stems from feelings of powerlessness in my own life.

Yet another thing that comes to mind when I think of peace is the feeling I get when traveling, especially driving on highways between cities: the interstate between El Paso to Colorado comes to mind right now. I recall my trip to Denver a few years ago; the open plains and the clouds which allowed me to be swept away from the worries at the time and I was filled with a strong sensation of peace and stability.

It’s the somewhat “new age-y” notion of “finding one’s center” that I often use when I’m discussing the concept of inner peace to others. I understand that when most people talk about peace they often refer to world peace or a lack of war, but I’m a supremely internalized individual and often have a very self-directed perspective when it comes to the meaning of various words.