inner peace – Surprised By Joy

“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: From International Lawyer to Thriller Writer – How To Share

In this episode of 'How to Share', hosts Wynne Leon andVicki Atkinson engage with author Marc Ross about his latest geopolitical thriller, 'Attacking the Dragon'. The conversation delves into the book's plot, which revolves around China's Belt and Road Initiative, and how Ross's background as a lawyer influenced his writing. They explore the complexities ofChinese politics, character development, and the nuances of storytelling, as well as Ross's personal journey from law to fiction writing.Takeaways:Marc Ross's book 'Attacking the Dragon' explores China's geopolitical landscape.The Belt and Road Initiative is a significant yet under-discussed topic.Ross aims to portray China as a victim rather than an aggressor in his narrative.His legal background provides a unique perspective on the thriller genre.Character names in Chinese culture are complex but manageable for storytelling.Ross's writing journey reflects a long-held dream to become an author.He emphasizes the importance of creating unique protagonists in thrillers.The art of storytelling involves engaging readers through vivid descriptions.Ross enjoys the process of writing and values reader feedback. His experiences as a lawyer enrich his fictional narratives.Links for this Episode:How to Share homeA. Marc Ross's website: https://www.amarcross.com/index.htmlAttacking the Dragon on Barnes & Noble and AmazonFrom the hosts:Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/My book about my beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

Links for the Episode

Deirdre Wilcox’s website

(featured photo from Pexels)

Tag: inner peace

How Not To Be Mean