How to Find Inner Peace in a Chaotic World
The raging fire of the world won't move you.
Some days, I feel like my body will explode due to how many events and things I’ve shoved inside my waking hours. So far, I’m raising three children, working two jobs, recording a podcast, and creating a newsletter while married. If you’re in a similar position in life, even if the world around you is tearing itself apart, peace and wisdom can be found. To demonstrate this, I’ll share a story my teacher, George Thompson, told me last week. The story is called The Emperor Who Sought The Essence of True Tranquility.
A long time ago, in ancient China, one day the emperor retired to his chamber to study volumes of diplomatic documents. He found it hard to concentrate, so he summoned his most trusted minister. When he arrived, the minister saw the emperor pacing back and forth, looking irritated.
The emperor said to him, "I want to concentrate on state affairs, but my mind is unstable and restless. When I feel this way, I need to look at something to restore my peace. Have the best artist in the country create a painting that has the power to calm me down. I want the theme of this painting to be True Tranquility."
"As you command, Your Majesty," replied the minister.
A few days later, the minister discovered that there were three artists considered to be the best in China. They were very talented, so they were all brought to the palace. Once they understood what the emperor wanted, they set about painting the picture he wanted—The Essence Of True Tranquility
When the paintings were finished, the emperor went into the studio with the minister to see them. The first painting he looked at depicted a peaceful lake surrounded by mountains. It was an extremely beautiful scene. The surface of the lake looked perfectly still and conveyed a sense of peace. The emperor smiled, "Very beautiful."
The second painting depicted a winter landscape. It evoked the silence that falls after the snow, a deep silence that went beyond the mere absence of noise because the snow absorbed all sound. Both the minister and the emperor nodded approvingly. "Very effective," said the emperor.
When they reached the third painting they noticed that it depicted a waterfall. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty," said the minister. "It seems this artist did not understand my instructions to paint a scene about serenity. Let me throw this painting away and we can choose from the first two."
When he wanted to get his hands on the painting, the emperor stopped him, "No, wait." After looking at the painting for a moment longer he said to the minister, "This is the painting I need."
"What?! But, Your Majesty, how can this waterfall compare with the other two in depicting peace? I don't understand!" he said puzzled.
"The waterfall is not the most important thing in this painting. Take a closer look," was the emperor's reply.
The minister took a closer look at the painting. He saw that next to the waterfall was a tree, and one of its branches sheltered a nest. A bird was sleeping inside that nest.
"See how the bird is able to relax and rest, even with a deafening stream of water so close to it?!" the Emperor pointed out. "It is in such a profound state of stillness that the outside conditions have no power over it. They cannot irritate or disturb her. This is the essence of True Tranquility!"
For a more modern example, my favorite meditation time is cleaning my dishes. I discovered this when my tinnitus started two years ago. The sound of the rushing water and focusing my mind on a task caused the stress to subside. In college, I noticed sweeping my front porch also relieved stress.
So, I find it interesting that in films, meditation is always depicted as sitting still in a quiet room with candles or soft music. When, in my hectic modern life, am I supposed to find time to sit alone in a room with candles and music? I’m lucky to wake up in a quiet house with three children, two dogs, and a wife. Unfortunately, waking up at 5 AM isn’t always an option. Or, I can stay awake and meditate at midnight, but you’d be surprised how fast I can fall asleep while sitting.
But as the story above teaches us, real peace doesn’t come from external stillness or external calm; it comes from within. Let the world rage around you while you are happy and calm. However, you must practice this skill because it doesn't come naturally.
The only way to swim is to jump in the water. The only way to learn to ride a bike is to ride a bike. So, look for those moments when life throws a curve ball or a raging storm of emotion attempts to take control. Your heartbeat and blood pressure are directly linked to your emotions; if you control one, you control the other. The easiest method to control your heart rate is by slowing down your breathing with deep, long, conscious breaths.
I watched a video where a man held his breath underwater for over ten minutes. He stated that our bodies have enough oxygen in our blood for a few minutes without negative side effects such as passing out, but mental practice separates those who can perform this feat from those who can not. Knowing this, I practiced holding my breath after performing my breathing techniques. So far, I can hold my breath for nearly two minutes— twice as long as my previous average of one minute.
In fact, I’ve practiced breathing so often that it comes instinctively when I’m angry, anxious, or frustrated. My teacher said that when a practice becomes instinctive, it is a sign of mastery. While I’m honored to hear his praise, I feel I have a long way to go to earn such a title, but one day, I want to live my entire life in a peaceful moment.
Taoists believe the tranquility you find during your meditations can be extended indefinitely, so you never leave the calm, relaxing, spontaneous mindset you might normally reach for a brief moment. Truthfully, after a long meditation session, my tranquility only lasts for a few minutes until reality sets in—a call from work, a text from my family, or the dogs need out. If there is one, the goal is to allow external forces to flow through you, not against you. Imagine you are water. Everything that reaches you will move slowly through your body and mind but eventually pass. You, as water, will release everything to continue on its journey.
Your mind is water. Your emotions are water. This, too, shall pass.
So, when you wake up tomorrow, remember to breathe, and when you do, breathe deeply all the way down to your feet! Don’t hesitate to let your stomach stick out and gather all the oxygen you can. When you exhale, let your worries and stress leave—relax your face and shoulders.
You’ll feel better. I promise.
I hope you enjoyed my latest article. I’m providing it for free because I believe everyone can benefit from this lesson. However, I would really appreciate it if you would consider supporting me and my work. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber. I’m running a limited-time 40% off holiday special right now!
