Peace...

' 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)

Some of you may know that I have been away over summer, I have enjoyed my travels and teaching away from home during this time. I am grateful for the connections I made along the way, from southern coast of England to north Scotland, from US to Beijing. Upon return, I took some time settling back into my London schedule. To me, settling means to allow for space to pace my rhythm, to sync to the frequency of this moment.
Despite building in lots of rest over this summer travels, on few occasions, I found myself feeling emotionally challenged. With many changes around me, meeting different people and cultures across the continents, taking on multiple roles as a student, teacher, daughter, wife, friend, the list goes on. Ease and peace was stirred!
I realised that life is as such. With the kindest intention, we put in our best efforts, with trust, we then let go and flow with life. The repulsion (dvesha) of the outcome, or the attachment (raga) to the speed of events happening, is suffering. Such is life. My meditation and stillness practice has supported me during these times as I allow space to rekindle peace. From my iRest Sankalpa, I reach out for my inner resource time and again.
The above quote was from a card I received from a group of wonderful students on a recent retreat. Peace... in the midst of chaos, and still allow for calmness in my heart. Thank you for the reminder. 
 
Questions for reflection:
What is your strategy to rekindle peace, to re-establish your ease and centredness?
Practice: to re-establish ease and centredness at least once a day, as often as you remember.