Serenity

SERENITY ~ 30 Days to Rebalance Mind-Body-Spirit By E.D. Johnson GOD, Grant me the Serenity To accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can change, And wisdom to know the difference. ~ Reinhold Niebuhr It’s hard for anyone to imagine what daily living is like in a war zone that’s so much a part of Kandahar, Afghanistan. I’ve been here for the past six months, and grateful for the Gift of Life with each new day. Tanks blow up constantly. Suicide bombers detonate buildings, vehicles and the terrain. Huge amounts of debris and devastation dot the landscape. How can anyone find hope and courage to continue living, I often wonder? Yet, the Afghanis are a stoic people who face turmoil with a calm and serene attitude. That’s why I’m inspired to write this book for those of us not quite used to these living conditions—to better face chaos and breakdowns of any nature while serving here. I’m also writing this book for readers recovering from the wounds of war, so they may draw healing serenity in moving on with their lives. As well, any one looking for daily inspiration to find inner and outer peace by reading these selections on, “Serenity.” ~~~ Speaking of breakdowns, it’s pure frustration for a writer who’s unable to connect to the Internet for news and research. Yet, sometimes I have to spend hours trying to fix up my Internet connection. For someone in more stable situations who’s able to log on to cyberspace in no time, you might like to know it takes at least 10 minutes to log on in Kandahar. Sometimes, I can’t even do it, either from my room or the computer lab. It’s moments like these that my “inner cool” or Inner Pilot shifts me into divine mode—by granting me the Serenity and the Patience to accept the things I cannot change. ~~~ Does it mean that I give up easily in the face of adversity? Heck, NO! When challenged, I’m even more determined to: 1) accept the situation, 2) meditate on what constructive alternatives to take, and 3) try to be as cheerful as I can in fixing what needs fixing. In other words, I challenge myself to draw upon courage to change the things I can change. ~~~ Now, that’s not to say I do the right things all the time. Especially when I use my head in dictating actions generating repercussions that may be cool, or not so cool. However, there’s one thing I know. When I find myself in a situation that seems to be beyond resolution, I know it’s time for meditation. That’s when down time, quiet time and tuning in inwardly for guidance enable me to access inner wisdom to know the difference. That’s when my meditation friend makes a difference in guiding my actions towards practical solutions that benefit me and everyone else. ~~~ As you may have noticed by now, I’ve been writing this first chapter reflecting Reinhold Niebuhr’s immortal prayer for the Grace of Serenity to prevail in our lives. Which brings me to another realization—that prayer and meditation work in synergy. Both the prayer wing and the meditation wing are vital for the Soul Bird to fly, and soar above the pettiness, the fighting (not only on the streets of Kandahar but also within my own emotions) and the hopeless feelings of fear and insecurity that everyone is confronted with when facing different situations challenging our comfort zones. So, whatever form of mediation you’ve been using or would like to try (I’m hoping you’ll start regular, meditations with the help of this book), please stick with meditation to simplify your life. Reading as a meditation technique to get started is great—and the first goal of this book. A second goal in writing this book is to help you open up to any kind of meditation that calls to you—and that’s a wonderful way to start friendships paving the way to tolerance and unconditional love of self and others. A third goal of my book is to show you how to reconnect with, and treasure, joyful living while in the midst of problems you’re trying to solve (yes, it may sound oxymoronic, but this, too, is one more aspect of daily living)—by accessing your inner wealth of, Serenity. A fourth goal is to show you how developing a daily meditation practice is highly attainable and practical, starting with reading Serenity aphorisms and doing guided personal meditations that encourage you to sticking with it. Practice makes perfect—before new challenges appear to motivate us on to newer heights of personal growth. And, the reason why Life is such an exciting adventure that’s also deeply satisfying! ~ DAY 1 ~ Peace is the indomitable response to life’s every challenge. Peace does not speak—it radiates. ~ Sri Chinmoy WHAT IS SERENITY? Serenity is the ability to accept with equanimity whatever situation Life brings. Serenity is the ability to accept challenges as they arise. Serenity is working with a cool and calm composure under stress. Synonymous with peace of mind, tranquility, calmness, a cool attitude, poise, silence, relaxed, being mellow, unruffled and harmonious, Serenity is the very opposite of fear, insecurity, turmoil, chaos, hustle-bustle, anxiety, stress and war. FEELING, REFLECTING ON & OFFERING SERENITY Look around you at work. What can you do to contribute positively to making it a more Serene place to work in—such as making time for peaceful five-minute meditation breaks for yourself and the team? What can you do to promote a more Serene community—give free meditation classes to kids after school, in assisted living situations and your local library? What can your family do to secure a Serene home environment upon which to build confidence, civility and compassion for self and others?