Insanely Serene – Maintaining Peace of Mind in a Crazy World
16It’s true. I’m insanely, completely in love with and committed to my serenity.
For me, serenity means peace of mind. Literally, having a mind at peace. It’s important to me that I can maintain my serenity no matter what is going on around me. I devote a significant amount of time and energy to this pursuit so that I always know, whether I have calm or drama in my personal relationships, whether work is going smoothly or threatens my financial security, whether the world is at peace or at war, I can keep my mind clear and easy.
Today I can bring my mind to a peaceful place most of the time. But it wasn’t always so. As a child, I developed a great deal of anxiety, which evolved into thought patterns that were full of fear. I learned to anticipate the negative, and to ignore the possibility of the positive. I fell into hating almost everything about myself, from my outer appearances to my inner core.
For years I was mired in chronic depression, knowing that something was wrong, but unable to identify what exactly it was. All I really knew was that I wanted to feel better. It’s taken many years and numerous avenues of help to identify what was missing. Peace of mind.
To find my way to a consistently peaceful mind, I’ve had to overcome the damages of my past, and my fears of the future. I’ve learned that when I can be fully present – paying attention to what is happening here and now without reference to past or future – then I am most peaceful. When I’m in the present, I feel good about myself and the world, about myself in the world. Sometimes I call that feeling God, sometimes just the universe, sometimes unconditional love.
My antidote to self-hatred is peace of mind.
It may sound simple, but it’s not easy. Organized religion never worked for me, and so I’ve made my own way along a path of truth for myself. From many sources, I’ve developed a set of behavioral and emotional tools and techniques that continually remind me to return to the present. I look forward to sharing that path with you and hearing about yours.
Bunny
November 29, 2009Dear Linda,
I wish you beaucoups love and good thoughts for your new blog which sounds so inspirational. I love the idea of staying and living in the present. I have a habit of listening to my gut too much and anticipating doom and gloom. I like your thinking better and I shall practice being in the present. I look forward to hearing more thoughts from you.
Much love,
Bunny
Lauren
November 29, 2009I am happy that you started this blog. It is important for me to find peace at all times in the world we live in. I will look forward to learning about the tools you have to share and hopefully share mine too.
Mike
November 29, 2009You are off to a great start… insightful thoughts already! Thanks, and keep it up.
Nancy
November 29, 2009Welcome to the blogosphere Linda! I look forward to reading more.
wolflinda
December 05, 2009Nancy, Thank you so much. I’ve been reading your blog and enjoying the photos and haiku especially. Amazing your boys are so big now. Am learning about the blogosphere and figuring out how to get connecting to others in my “genre,” saw you have networked blogs and added mine and linked to facebook. Cool. Hope you are doing well!
Marianne
November 29, 2009Good sharing, Linda. I love the title and it’s a great reminder in my life to SLOW down and breathe.
Congrats and good luck!
wolflinda
December 05, 2009Marianne, Thank you for reading! So good to hear from you. I think of you often. Hope you are doing well in this holiday and flu season!
Ann
November 30, 2009Linda,
What an inspiration you are, love reading about your insight into Serenity how you have worked thru all the twists and turns of living life today
looking forward to hearing more of your journey
wolflinda
December 05, 2009Ann, Thanks for writing and for reading. I am enjoying this process and appreciate your support.
Steven M Krohn
November 30, 2009Linda,
I am your cousin Steven, Bunny’s son, grandson of Alice and Mac Myers. It was a true pleasure to read your thoughts. I am involved in the development of critical thinking, quality education, personal development, executive coaching and career management. If you have a moment you can read my blog at: http://stevekrohn.wordpress.com/. I have not posted in a while, its been a few rough months. But things are looking up and will probably have a new post shortly. My best to your family…
Love,
Steve
wolflinda
December 02, 2009Steve, great to hear from you, thank you for commenting and I’ll look at your blog. Your career sounds fascinating, would love to hear more. You can e-mail me at insanelyserene@gmail.com.
Aunt Chaya
November 30, 2009There is so much about your journey that I share. I remember when I was 18 riding on the bus that took me to Tufts and feeling the kind of anxiety that you describe in your blog. I had just read a book called “Peace of Mind” by Rabbi Joshua Loth Liebman (if I remember correctly) and thinking how I wish I could have peace of mind. It took me many decades but I’m glad to say that I have peace of mind most of the time now. It’s very hard work to maintain and I applaud and admire you for sharing your path with us.
wolflinda
December 02, 2009Thanks for sharing this, Aunt Chaya. I’ll have to look for the book. Thanks for your support.
Sumiko
December 01, 2009Linda – sounds great. I could use some SERENITY NOW and throughout the holiday season for sure. I’ve felt some of the same anxiety and self hatred so I’m interested in your techniques. I’ll be following!
wolflinda
December 02, 2009Thank you everyone for your love and support. Spread the word about this blog!
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