"When we touch our true nature, we touch peace"

When we get in touch with who we truly are at our core, we find a sense of peace. It's that simple. This idea suggests that inner tranquility comes from understanding and accepting our real selves, not from external achievements or possessions.

Historically, this wisdom comes from many ancient philosophies and spiritual traditions. Think about it—Buddhism, for instance, encourages deep self-reflection and meditation to understand one's true nature. The same goes for Stoicism from ancient Greece, where philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius spoke about knowing oneself to achieve tranquility.

Now, let's dive into a real-life example. Picture Sarah, a high-powered corporate attorney in New York City. She's got everything—money, a fancy apartment, a closet full of designer clothes. But she's stressed and feels hollow inside. She decides to take a sabbatical and goes on a silent meditation retreat. It’s tough at first, facing herself without distractions. But slowly, she starts to peel away the layers of societal expectations and superficial goals. She realizes she’s always loved art and helping people more than the cutthroat world of law. By the end of her retreat, she feels a profound sense of peace. She decides to shift her career towards something more aligned with her true nature, like working for a non-profit that uses art therapy. It’s a big change, but she’s never felt more at peace.

Want to apply this wisdom in your life? Start small. Take a moment each day for some quiet reflection. Journaling can help. Write down what makes you genuinely happy and what doesn't. Don't judge—just observe. Over time, patterns will emerge. Maybe you realize you love gardening but hate your office job. Think about ways to incorporate more of what you love into your life. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic career change. Maybe start by volunteering at a community garden on weekends.

Imagine you're at a coffee shop with a friend. They’re venting about their job and how unfulfilled they feel. You listen and nod, then share this idea with them. “What if you took some time to figure out what you really love? Like, what makes you lose track of time?” Your friend might look at you skeptically, but you can see the wheels turning in their mind. Maybe they’ll try it. Maybe they won’t. But you’ve planted a seed.

In essence, touching our true nature isn’t a one-off event. It’s a journey. It’s about peeling away what society, family, or even we think we should be, and getting to the heart of who we are. When we do that, peace isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.

So, next time you feel uneasy or out of sync, take a moment. Breathe. Reflect. Ask yourself, "Am I living in a way that's true to me?" If the answer is no, don’t be afraid to make small changes. Over time, they’ll lead you to that peaceful place where your true self resides.