Peace. What does it mean? According to Merriam Webster, it can mean a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; or harmony in personal relations.
While peace can mean many things, the real question is what does it mean to you? What does it mean for you to be at peace? Take a second to think about it! Without knowing what that means to you, it may be hard to feel it.
In a society where peace, tranquility, and quiet can be hard to come by, what in your life helps you find your state of peace? Exploring this inner calm, and inner state of tranquility can be important during times of stress or anxiety to help you come back to center, and focus on what works for you in those very moments!
One powerful way to help find clarity, calm, and focus is the box breathing technique. This exercise is a deep breathing technique to help to recenter, slow your breathing, and destress your body, helping to relax, clear, and calm your mind. Follow these directions to try the box breathing exercise:
Step 1: Breathe in, slowly counting to four and feel the air enter your lungs.
Step 2: Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
Step 3: Slowly exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
Step 4: Repeat steps 1, 2, and 3 until you feel re-centered.
How did that feel? What were did your thoughts go? How did your body feel during the exercise? By breathing and resetting, you can take control of that very moment. Try to accept what is out of your control and focus on what is in your control. Take a piece of pen and paper, or take some mental notes on where, when, with who you feel happiest, most calm, most at peace. Often times we just need to give ourselves some time to focus, and we may realize we have the answers within. With that being said, to be at peace doesn't need to mean being on a beach, or sitting in a quiet room, it’s important to note that peace doesn’t need to correlate with peace and quiet, but needs to connect to you and your own needs.
Wrote by:
Michelle Zak
Mental Health Counselor Intern
References
https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-box-breathing