Trusting the Peace

Life can often feel like a turbulent storm, filled with chaos and conflict that we’re constantly battling. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind, struggling to find a moment of calm in the midst of the tempest. But what if, instead of resisting the chaos, we learned to trust the peace that can be found within it?

This profound concept of “trusting the peace” came to light during a recent conversation between friends. Erin, one of the hosts of the Inner RAE podcast, shared her personal experiences of navigating chaos and sabotage in relationships. She recounted the challenges she faced when finally deciding to end a relationship that was causing her harm. It was a tough decision, one that left a void in her life.

But what struck a chord during this gathering was another person’s revelation. They shared a similar experience of waking up in the middle of the night, gripped by panic and anxiety. What was the cause of this nighttime turmoil? It was the newfound quiet and peace in their life that was unsettling.

In that moment, the phrase “trust the peace” resonated deeply with Erin and sparked the inspiration for this discussion.

Knowing When “Enough is Enough”

The journey to trusting the peace often begins with the recognition that “enough is enough.” Many of us find ourselves tolerating chaos and conflict within ourselves or our relationships until the external impact becomes undeniable. Erin’s own realization of the extent of chaos came when she saw it mirrored in someone else’s experience, particularly within the context of a relationship. This external perspective provided the clarity needed to acknowledge the harmful nature of the situation.

Tools from the Inner RAE Curriculum

The Inner RAE curriculum offers valuable tools to help individuals build the capacity to trust the peace:

  1. Considering All Dimensions: This tool encourages individuals to examine various aspects of their lives, including emotional, physical, intellectual, financial, relational, and spiritual dimensions. By assessing how a situation impacts these areas, one can gain a broader perspective on whether it brings peace or chaos.

  2. Anatomy of Relationship: Understanding the three Cs—connection, commitment, and capacity—in relationships is essential. Recognizing the balance and harmony of these elements can help individuals make informed choices that lead to peace.

  3. Full Circle: This exercise helps individuals reconcile the euphoric recall of positive aspects in a past relationship with the understanding of the chaos and conflict it also brought. It strengthens the neural pathways that connect both perspectives, reducing the likelihood of returning to a sabotaging situation.

  4. Creating a Gentle Inner Rhythm: Engaging in practices that soothe the nervous system and create a sense of peace is crucial. Building the capacity to feel peace, even when it exposes self-sabotaging behaviors, is a profound journey.

Intimacy vs. Intensity

Understanding the distinction between intensity and intimacy is key. Many people confuse the two, seeking intense experiences when what they truly desire is deeper intimacy. Recognizing this difference can guide us toward cultivating peaceful, harmonious connections.

Inspiration from Pema Chödrön

To conclude, we invite you to consider someone in the public eye who broadcasts their Inner RAE, inspiring you to live your most radiant, authentic, and peaceful life. One remarkable individual that comes to mind is Pema Chödrön, renowned for her book “When Things Fall Apart.” Pema Chödrön’s work revolves around embracing the unknown, sitting with oneself in times of chaos, and finding peace within the process.

In a world often filled with chaos and conflict, trusting the peace becomes a journey of self-discovery and connection. By utilizing the tools from the Inner RAE curriculum and recognizing the difference between intensity and intimacy, individuals can cultivate the capacity to embrace peace, even in the face of uncertainty and change.

So, dear reader, we leave you with a question: Are you ready to embrace the silence, to trust the peace that can be found amidst the chaos? The path to a more peaceful and harmonious life starts with a single step—your decision to trust the peace within.

 

Resources mentioned in this podcast: