Inner peace (also known as peace of mind) refers to a deliberate state of psychological or spiritual calm maintained despite the presence of
stressors. It is associated with a state of psychological "
homeostasis
In biology, homeostasis (British English, British also homoeostasis; ) is the state of steady internal physics, physical and chemistry, chemical conditions maintained by organism, living systems. This is the condition of optimal functioning fo ...
" and the opposite of being stressed or anxious, and is considered to be a state where one's mind performs at an optimal level, regardless of outcomes. Peace of mind is thus generally associated with a state of contentment and emotional well-being including
bliss,
happiness and
contentment.
Peace of mind,
serenity, and
calmness are descriptions of a disposition free from the effects of stress. In various cultural traditions, inner peace is regarded as a state of
consciousness
Consciousness, at its simplest, is awareness of a state or object, either internal to oneself or in one's external environment. However, its nature has led to millennia of analyses, explanations, and debate among philosophers, scientists, an ...
attainable through practices such as
breathing exercises,
prayer
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rect 0 0 1000 1000 Shinto festivalgoer praying in front ...
,
meditation,
or
yoga. Many spiritual practices refer to this peace as an experience of
knowing oneself.
Achieving inner peace can be challenging due to the demands and stressors of daily life. Spiritual development is generally considered a gradual process, with various practices and approaches aimed at fostering a deeper sense of spirituality over time.
Research suggests that mindfulness training can contribute to inner peace by reducing stress and enhancing psychological well-being. A randomized controlled trial found that participants who underwent
mindfulness training reported significantly higher levels of inner peace and lower stress-related symptoms compared to a control group. These findings indicate that structured mindfulness practices may serve as an effective method for fostering emotional stability and resilience.
Inner peace has been described as "a low-arousal positive emotional state coupled with a sense of balance or stability."
Inner peace is also assumed to be a highly beneficial state and one that reflects human flourishing.
, the current and 14th
Dalai Lama, emphasizes the importance of inner peace in the world:
See also
*
Ataraxia
*
Dignity
*
Equanimity
*
Gelassenheit
*
Hesychia
*
Inner conflict
*
Inner light
*
Meaning of life
*
Mindfulness
*
Nirvana
*
Self-actualization
*
Self-ownership
*
Self-realization
*
Shanti Mantras
*
Tranquillity
*
Yin and yang
References
Further reading
*
External links
*
91 Peace Affirmations: Emotional Pain Releaser. loalab.net. 2023-04-28. Retrieved 2023-04-28.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Inner Peace
Meditation
Peace
Psychological concepts
Spiritual gifts