Ustaz Mark Bang
I am not interested in fight, hating, blaming, or being pretty with whatever remaining time I have on earth.
As we continue battling with so many problems in our country, things to do with economic turmoil, conflicts happening here and there, a large number dying and creating room for atrocities, banditry, and senseless things like rapping in communities frequently fight. No one, whether man or woman expected to face such horrible things happening. All what people want in life is freedom of everything, what does it mean “to live”?
This question makes me to drop tears. You wouldn’t know what it means to live until you are caught up between life and death. I don’t know if you’ve been ever caught up in a situation where you wish you were better dead. This wishful thinking might be as a result of pain or embarrassing moment.
There are sometimes, you beg for second chance in life, just to exist beyond that moment. Whenever you see people commit suicide don’t blame them, but people around them, that ignore to show them what it means to live and struggle beyond their depressing moments. If you still don’t understand the junction I’m coming from. Kindly alight and be thankful of what you are, have and have had.
No moment is permanent. Just live, love and embrace who you are, don’t be bothered about what people say, we all pretend to be soothsayer. Just live your meaningful life. To live is to experience, to learn, to love, to create. Life is something that everything has, but few can realize what they have. To be a conscious creature, and to see that what you do is beyond instinct, is to live. Bugs, the majority of animals, and pretty much anything else that “lives,” is not living. They exist, or are existing.
Humans are one of the very few to truly live. We look beyond the hands, the meat, the body, to see not the soul, not the spirit, but the idea. The idea that we are beyond surviving, and now beyond existing, that we are now Living. We now focus not only on eating, shelter, and water. We focus on our mental health, our happiness as a purpose. That is what living is. Striving not after our NEEDS, but after our WANTS. To beloved here means, when someone is described as “beloved,” it means that they are dearly loved, cherished, and deeply admired by others. It implies a strong and genuine affection or admiration for that person. People who are beloved are often seen as kind, compassionate, and worthy of affection and respect from those around them. Being beloved is a testament to the positive impact and influence a person has on the lives of others.
Moreover, essential mindfulness practices for cultivating inner peace. We all crave inner peace but what actually is it and how do we find it? We explore mindfulness practices to help you cultivate peace within yourself. Inner peace. It sounds like a pipedream, doesn’t it? How is it possible to find an oasis of calm when our lives have become so busy, stressful, and chaotic? But there are some tips and techniques we can all use to tap into that quieter space within ourselves — a space that feels steady and supportive and accessible. You just have to learn how. Inner peace is a state of tranquility where you feel at ease with yourself, others, and the world around you. It’s about being fully present and comfortable in your skin. less impacted from anxiety, worry, and stress. When you experience inner peace, you accept who you are — your strengths, flaws, desires, dreams — everything that makes you uniquely you. You also feel more accepting of the world around you and the situations that are unfolding so you’re less negatively impacted by anxiety, worry, and stress.
Moreover, finding inner peace isn’t about brief respites from stress or moments of relaxation. A state of inner peace can be maintained through equanimity. Equanimity is a skill you can learn which helps you keep a calm and balanced state of mind, regardless of the various ups and downs that life throws your way. So, you’re okay if things are okay but you’re also okay if things aren’t feeling okay. Mindfulness is the key. Inner peace isn’t something you wish for. It’s something you make, something you do, and something you are. Despite being a simple act, meditation can profoundly affect your mental state. It helps cultivate equanimity and a deeper sense of peace.
How to meditate? Find a cozy spot away from the hustle and bustle. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. Don’t worry about doing it perfectly; a few minutes can make a big difference. Remember, resources like Calm are here to help. We have hundreds of meditations and programs to support you as you build your meditation practice. How often do you find yourself stuck in the past or feeling anxious about the future? If you’re like the rest of us, probably a lot. But as you know, the present moment is all we truly have. Embrace it, live it. Life unfolds in the now. How to live in the present? When you’re doing day-to-day tasks like eating, walking, or even doing chores, try to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Notice how your surroundings look, sound, smell, and feel. It’s like giving your brain a mini-vacation and the effect induces a sense of inner peace. Cultivate a positive mindset
Our minds are powerful things. They can act as our greatest ally or our worst enemy. It’s all about the way we use them. When we learn to cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on the good, we start to develop our inner peace. How to cultivate a positive mindset? Kickstart your day on a positive note. Jot down what you’re excited about or what you’re grateful for in a journal. If a negative thought tries to sneak in, cross it out and replace it with something positive. Develop love for yourself
Inasmuch as, loving others starts with loving ourselves. That’s not always an easy journey. We get it. But when it comes to inner peace, the aim is to learn to appreciate who you are, cherish your strengths, and embrace your flaws. You are uniquely you, and that’s something to celebrate. How to develop love for yourself? Take a moment to write down what you love about yourself. If you hit a speed bump or two, imagine your best friend. What would they say they love about you? Practice self-care
Taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Don’t forget to set aside time for yourself every day. Not only do you deserve it, it’s also an important way to cultivate self-love that leads to inner peace. How to practice self-care? Schedule in some ‘you-time.’ Yes, that means put it in the calendar and stick to it! Spend the time on whatever you like — a thrilling novel, a soothing bath, a peaceful walk in nature, or even some relaxing Visualizing a happy or peaceful place engages your mind in a positive and calming way, acting as a form of mental escape from stressors and fostering a sense of inner peace. How to visualize your peaceful place? Close your eyes and think of a place where you feel utterly at peace. It could be a beach, a forest, or even a memory. What do you see, hear, or smell? When stress starts to creep in, visit this place in your mind, learn to breathe effectively. Sounds silly, right? But most of us don’t use our breath to its full potential. Deep, conscious breathing can have a profoundly calming effect. In moments of stress or anxiety, take a few moments to focus on your breath. You’ll soon notice that you can rely on your breath to cultivate inner peace.
Finally, how to breathe effectively? Breathe in, hold, breathe out, hold. Do this at your own pace. This can be your pause button whenever you feel like the world is spinning too fast. Nature has a soothing mental effect. Spend some time connecting with nature to instill a sense of peace within. Don’t worry about doing anything too adventurous, you can keep it super simple and still get the benefits. How to access nature? Stroll in the park, do some gardening, or watch the clouds float by. Nature soundscapes like Yosemite National Park and Sea of Thieves: Shores of Plenty are a great way to bring nature to you. Gratitude can shift your focus from what’s missing in your life to what you already have. It’s a fast-track to inner peace. Make a daily habit of noting down things you’re grateful for. Focusing on the good stuff can change how we look at our entire day. How to be grateful? Write down three things that brought you joy today. They could be as simple as a delicious meal or a good laugh. “Public Staunchest Ally “
The writer of this article is a Human Right Activist, writer and a professional teacher.