Peace is often misunderstood. Many think of it as a passive, still state—something we desire but rarely attain. And when we do find peace, when we pause to soak in the beauty of the present, guilt creeps in. We wonder if we’re “wasting time.”
Have you ever opened your journal and felt guilty for not doing something more “productive”? Does peaceful reflection often get pushed aside for emails or chores?
Yet, peace isn’t passive. It is an intentional, active practice. It doesn’t happen by accident—it’s a choice. When we commit to small, daily acts of peace, we not only change ourselves, we influence those around us. Even on the hardest days, peace is possible.
Holding a peaceful, grounded perspective is a powerful gift—to ourselves and to those with whom we share our lives. Think of it as your own form of activism: your personal Peace Work.
In his book Being Peace, Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh recounts the story of Vietnamese refugees fleeing war. Families crowded into small fishing boats, panicked and desperate. “If even one person aboard can remain calm, lucid… he or she can help the boat survive,” Hanh writes. That calm person gives others hope. One steady presence can save many lives.
Our world today is the same. The metaphorical seas are rough, and panic spreads quickly. We need people who can sit still, who can smile, who can walk peacefully through challenging situations. Don’t underestimate the power of a peaceful presence to calm a storm. You can be that person in the boat.
So the next time you take a quiet walk, savor a sunset, or write in your journal, don’t dismiss it as trivial. These moments are not wasted. They are your contribution to a more peaceful world.
Ellen Bell a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher with a specialty in the practice of positive journaling for wellness. Find out more about Ellen.