The Power of Peace

As we move into the second week of Advent, Unity writings focus on peace. It seems quite apt really, as peace is often the last thing we are feeling this time of year.

Many are super busy at work, or getting ready for Christmas and feeling the pressure this brings. Others may be alone, feeling isolated or scared, in which case peace is far from their experience. All of us are witnessing the places of war and conflict in the world, which can so easily take us out of peace.
Thus, taking time to re-centre in peace is so important. For us and for everyone.

How do you re-centre in peace? How quickly do you notice you are not feeling peaceful and what do you do to help restore inner peace? Perhaps you go for a walk, meditate, exercise or do the ironing! Take a moment to reflect on this …

You may hear in Unity, 'Peace is an inside job'. Certainly, the more we individually practice being peace-filled ourselves, the more we bring peace into the world and the more those around us can respond as peace.

People may say, ‘Just choose peace’. Yet if we are feeling angry, resentful, frightened or in grief, this is a difficult choice to make. For me, I first acknowledge my feelings; become present to them without blame or shame, guilt or reproach. Acknowledging our feelings, being present to them in our body, is giving us the space to be fully-present to ourselves – something we rarely do. We often find it easier to push feelings aside or bury them rather than be with them. Yet the power is in being present. Stored or suppressed feelings becomes trapped energy. Becoming present to our feelings allows for their healing and release. Something in us changes. We are changed.

My practice (when I remember) is to stop, breathe and be present to the feeling; where it has been stored in my body, without engaging my mind. I can do this, as I know God is here as my strength, wholeness and peace. I breathe, taking in the God energy at the same time. As a result, a sense of relief floods my being. I may get a flash of insight; I may just experience release. Healing happens. Peace is felt and known.

This Christmas, if you notice you are becoming stressed or upset, take time to stop, breathe and be present to yourself. For you will experience your Self – and the peace that is within us – underneath everything else. 

This is the best gift you can give yourself. It is the best gift we can give the world. Let us be the gift of peace this Christmas.
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"Be still and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10

Rev Kimerie Mapletoft
Director of Silent Unity and Daily Word UK