“Peace is not something you wish for; It’s something you make, Something you do , Something you are, And something you give away.” – John Lennon
There is a benediction that my dad used to say at the end of church services that has stuck with me for all these years.
“May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, be with you now and forever more.”
I can see him in my mind’s eye standing in front of the church with his arms raised over the audience in blessing. He says that line and then he drops his hands, bows his head and walks out of the service. It gives me great peace to recall.
Meditation has been my go-to for practicing finding that peace. When I have it, I write better, parent more thoughtfully, lead with a fuller heart, and find myself swimming in the deeper end of the grace pool for myself and others.
So in this week’s episode of the How To Share podcast, I share a guided meditation by my meditation teacher, Deirdre Wilcox. Here is a short clip of the preamble highlighting some of my favorite quotes about inner peace:
The episode features a backpack guided meditation that resonates with me as a hiker and climber but I think we’ve all carried heavy loads enough to appreciate it.
Takeaways
- Meditation can help cultivate internal quiet and peace.
- Spiritual pathways include meditation, community, and acts of service.
- Inner peace is a valuable endpoint for personal growth.
- Nature can provide a sense of awe and tranquility.
- Creativity is a form of spiritual expression.
- It’s important to identify and release emotional burdens.
- Guided meditation can facilitate emotional unpacking.
- Self-love is crucial for personal development.
- Acknowledging what to let go of can lighten one’s load.
- Regularly checking in with oneself can promote emotional wellness.
I understand meditation is not for everyone. But if it is your jam, or you just like talking about packing, please give it a listen. Here are some ways you can listen and watch to the full episode:
- The podcast player embedded below
- Click this link to watch in a browser: How to Share Inner Peace with Deirdre Wilcox
- Subscribe to How To Share on Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Podcasts
- Subscribing to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@howtosharepodcast
Please listen, watch, provide feedback and subscribe.
How to Share Our Luck with Gil Gillenwater – How To Share
Links for the Episode
(featured photo from Pexels)
your dad carried and shared so much wisdom with him, you are so lucky. and I remember Deirdre, from an earlier podcast and can’t wait to hear this one, she another one who carries wise advice. double luck for you!
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Oh, you are so right – double luck for me. Thank you for your kind words, my friend!
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This was a wonderful way to enter into my day at work – and my 1-hour long transit! – so thank you to you both for this soothing meditation. 🥰
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Oh wow – what an honor to ride along with you, Ab! Hope you have a fantastic day!
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Now I know a bit about how your father sounded, Wynne, in listening to you. Your memory of him speaking of peace must have brought him alive.
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You are right on, Dr. Stein. It did bring him alive for me. Thank you, my friend!
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You Dad’s benediction echos the promise of my favorite Author Wynne . . .
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27
Keep Looking Up ^ … His Best is Yet to Come!
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Oh Fred – that’s perfect. Yes!
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I grew up in a Presbyterian church hearing that benediction every Sunday. I’m smiling thinking back to how soothing it was to hear it even if it didn’t mean much to me then. Now how do I practice peace? Creativity, stillness, and learning to let go of that which no longer helps me grow.
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You’ve mentioned growing up Presbyterian before so I’m so glad this benediction makes you smile!
Stillness and letting go – such great, and sometimes hard, practices. As is creativity at times too. Love this comment, Ally!
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What a great memory of your dad Wynne. So peaceful hearing you describe it. 🙏🏼🙏🏼😎
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Thank you so much for this gift of a comment, Brian. I’m so glad that the peace shone through!
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Wynne in a world full of noise, inner peace is at tines hard to find.
I will fess up here and say my mind is often “busy”, then frustration builds, which gradually turns to anger.
I think I am angry at myself for being angry , does that make sense.?
I should be able to keep on a level playing field!
Since I live alone, I don’t direct my anger at anyone, but being angry is not my nature.
I am a lover not a fighter.
I used to do yoga, now do I nothing to cultivate the zen 🙄 which is not ideal.
Thank you for this useful informative post! 🙏
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Oh, Maggie, I hear you! Why is it that doing the practices that bring peace are sooo hard? Incredibly tough habits to groove – at least speaking for myself.
But if I could say, you clearly do the work to express yourself creatively which is an amazing outlet. That’s a tough and helpful practice too!
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They are Wynne, so incredibly tough.
Not like eating McDonslds, that is too easy 🙄😅
That is very kind of you to say that my friend.
It is and I would be completely lost without it.
Enjoy the rest of your day Wynne 🙏
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I love Maggie’s comment – coming to terms with the reality that we can be angry for being angry! All the more reason to take any/all opportunity to slow things down and get quiet. Your invitational meditation is a great place to begin and you know I love any and all wisdom from your dad. xo! 💕
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An invitation to slow things down and get quiet. Oooh, that’s so good, dear Vicki. Right!! ❤ ❤ ❤
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Your takeaways are so good. I’ll be sure to listen.
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I appreciate you tuning in, Elizabeth!
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I really enjoyed this meditation, especially unpacking, “the habits you are weary of keeping.” The memory of your dad is so special. I used to love reading those sermon notes of his you used to post on Sundays!
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Thank you so much for listening and for saying that, Dana! And thanks for letting me bring my dad back again and again! 🙂
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🥰
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I really enjoyed this post and was able to listen to the podcast. It was very relaxing and I found myself nodding off. Thank you for the opportunity to relax and center on my way home.
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Wow – that’s wonderful you were able to listen as you traveled! Thank you, Clay! I hope you have a fantastic trip home!
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You sure have let peace be your compass to life! The 10 takeaways and the podcast are so good!
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Thank you for this gift of a comment, Mary! I appreciate you so much!
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“May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, be with you now and forever more.”
Amen🙏🏽
Thanks for sharing, Wynne. I needed that. Have a wonderful evening.🌸💕
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Amen indeed!! Thank you for echoing that, Shaun!
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“Did I offer peace today? Did I offer a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love?” When it’s phrased like that, it seems so basic. If we can strive to make at least one person’s life a little better that day, that’s undoubtedly a worthy goal.
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I love how you summed up that worthy goal, Pete! It does sound so simple – and I bet you accomplish that each and every day! Thanks, my friend!
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Impressive
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Thank you!
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I like John Lennon’s quote about peace, so is love, Wynne. I love to meditate also. The first thing I do in the morning is to take my coffee to sit in the garden to absorb the quietness and enjoy the beauty of nature.
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I love this comment, Miriam. I am a first thing in the morning person too and it makes such a difference! Thanks for sharing!
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You’re welcome, Wynne.
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Wynne, I love your points you made in the podcast and the quotes you shared about sharing peace. Truly, with everything going on in the world right now, this is a tremendous gift to be living with and sharing with others. It truly starts within us and can then ripple outwardly to others in a natural and organic way, instead of being something forced. When others around me in my life get to feeling overwhelmed about not feeling able to make any changes in the world, my answer is always to focus on the small things we can change in our own lives, for doing small things is empowering. They then allow us more energy to focus on more things after that.
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“a tremendous gift” – so well said, Tamara! Right – doing small things is empowering! Great comment – thanks for weighing in!
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This sounds lovely, will definitely check it out.
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Thank you, Pooja! I hope you enjoy it!
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I’m sure I will!
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Wonderful, Wynne. I also like Henri Nouwen, and his book Spiritual Direction was amazing. I’m listening to your Inner Peace podcast right now and loving it, my friend.
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I’m not surprised that you also are a Henri Nouwen fan. He has a line from The Inner Voice of Love that has stuck with me in the most powerful way, “Your future depends on how you decide to remember your past.”
Thanks for tuning in – I’m glad you liked it!
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You’re welcome, my friend. I really enjoyed the podcast, and I even had to stop typing to join the meditation.
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That’s awesome!
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I really like the Lennon quote, peace is something you are. Something to aspire to daily.
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Right? It’s so much in our control — as opposed to many other things!
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Yes, and that working for peace starts with being at peace.
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wow ! I listened to this: profound and positive; did I do this yesterday when it would have made a difference? no, I didn’t; will I remember? perhaps not SO I have bookmarked this so I can easily revisit when the occasion arises —as it will; thanks Wynne 🙂
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I love this comment, John! Thank you for the ultimate compliment!
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I love everything about this post Wynne. A wonderful reminder that it is the simple, heartfelt intentions that can make such a difference.
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Can make sure a difference – well said, VJ! Thank you!
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Welcome
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I needed this, Wynne, even though I’m behind on reading. This quote is an on-going task for me:
“Acknowledging what to let go of can lighten one’s load.” Letting go has never been my strength, so letting go of what I can’t control is paramount in providing peace within myself. I remember hearing similar benedictions like your dad’s during our church-going days. Hearing those words were a good way to begin a new week. I’ve always been a worrier like my mom, and I’m finding that as I get older, anxiety creeps in so cleverly. Everything is good in life, and yet, there’s always something to worry about, let alone, world events, wondering about the future. Then I’m reminded that I can’t worry about what may or may not happen. One day at a time continues to guide me. Thank you! Hugs 💕
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Love how you put it, Lauren – “anxiety creeps in so cleverly.” Wow, that’s so true. Yes, one day at a time! Thanks for the great comment!
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Love the Carrying Only What is Needed. Great advice.
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What a difference that could make! Thanks, Barb!
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