“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” -Unknown
Once there was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists submitted their paintings, but there were only two the king really liked, and he had to choose between them.
One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought it was the perfect picture of peace.
The other picture also had mountains, but they were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky with storm clouds, from which burst forth heavy rain and lightning. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the king looked closely, he saw that by the waterfall there was a tiny bush where a mother bird had built her nest. There near the rush of angry water sat the mother bird on her nest, in perfect peace.
The king chose the second picture as the best picture of peace because, explained the king, peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or difficulty. Peace means to be amid those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace. –Unknown
Summary:
The most valuable kind of peace is that which we have during times of trial and adversity. In this parable, despite turbulent surroundings, the mother bird was able to create a home and remain calm and peaceful. We can overcome the adversities we face when we learn to have peace despite our situation.
Reflection:
- Evaluate the peace you have during uncertainty. What can you do to strengthen it?
- If your peace level is strong like the mother bird, today is an opportunity to uplift those around you who might be struggling with fears and anxiety. Peace is something that’s meant to be shared. Who in your life could you share it with?
- How can you and/or your team use this message to help you?
Moving Forward:
- If you are struggling with anxiety or fear, start with intentional breathing. It’s one of the most powerful ways to create peace of mind. Emotions and breathing are closely connected. If you slow your breath and learn to breathe evenly and fully, your emotions will calm down as well.
- Try this breathing exercise: Take a moment to relax and close your eyes. Take a deep breath in through your nose, visualize yourself breathing in confidence. Hold this breath for a few seconds, and then slowly breathe out of your mouth any negativity and stress you are holding onto. Repeat as needed.
- Share this message with someone that could use some peace during the middle of a storm.
“First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.” -Thomas Kempis
For more stories on overcoming adversity check out: Challenger Deep: Stories, Fables, and Lessons to Help You Rise Above Adversity – Tami Matheny