The following information is simply an opinion based on life experiences and a personal understanding of peace. 

Summed Up
It seems as though peace is the synthesis of a great number of unrelated things in life flowing together in relative harmony.

Reality
Now, personally I don't see that happening very often in anyone's lifetime. So, that may be something we can only hope for occasionally, at the very least.

There's Hope
On the other hand, I whole-heartedly believe that our attitude, the way we carry ourselves, the way we act and react to situations and the things we say and do allow us or prevent us from living in the midst of peace.

Since it's virtually impossible, if not completely impossible to control all the forces around us to work in harmony (because there are too many variable to manage), peace must be managed from within each of us individually.

I was once asked to give my definition of peace for that person's consideration. I remember fumbling through my answer only to eventually realize that the definition I offered in response was catered to my life in particular.

Knowing a little about the person who asked me to comment, I suddenly realized how some aspects of my definition of peace might differ from what might better apply to their situation.

It was then that I decided that the definition, or meaning of peace was relative. That is to say, it's different with every person and individual situation.

Things To Think About
What sets your mind at ease? Is it the sound of flowing water, like that of a stream? Is it a sunny spring day with scattered clouds and a light breeze?

Catch yourself when you're feeling at ease and make a mental note of that moment. Then ask yourself what sparked that peace-filled moment? Was it while you were practicing your beliefs? Did you feel it after offering a helpful hand to someone in need?

A Suspicion
I suspect peace is something we are all able to receive, but only after we've put a lot of thought into experiencing peace.

I also suspect that peace is not a trophy we strive for, eventually attain and place on the mantle above our fireplace.

Fork In The Road
I'm convinced that to achieve peace in our lives, we must resolve to take a life-long journey that has many forks in the road.

As with everything, one path will always offer more of what your looking for than the other(s). It's a matter of knowing which path is the one that offers the most. Sometimes it will be blatantly obvious by looking at the signs as to which path will offer more peace.

I also believe that sometimes you won't know which way will offer great peace in your life without first taking a step, or two, or three, or four...

Wisdom
After we decide which path to take at every fork in the road, we must then make decisions that remain true to our individual definition of peace (as it develops).

On of the oldest and most appreciated history books in the world today states that humans are capable and inherently allowed to do what ever they want, regardless, no holds barred. That would include both good and bad, such as feeding the poor, taking the life of an innocent person, providing for the orphan, stealing from a loved one, etc.

BUT, it also goes on to say that not all decisions are beneficial. That is to say, some decisions may set us back considerably more than moving us forward toward our goal.

We need to be careful with all decisions we make in our lives that will affect our personal life, directly or indirectly. Do what you want, but don't be foolish.

Discernment
We need to learn how to judge every situation for what it's worth to us and those around us we consider loved-ones.

To discern what is "good" is a matter of opinion and differs with every individual goal. One can discern basically what is good, but I'm referring to something deeper, catered to a specific goal--peace in my life.

Knowledge
"Knowledge is power." This statement can't be more true for this situation. Be a sponge. Soak up as much information about things that pertain to your desire to achieve peace in your life--what ever that means to you.

Don't Hesitate
When you stumble on something that stokes the fire of peace in your life, be quick to incorporate that into your everyday life.

The People You Choose
I'm sure you've heard the expression "you are what you eat." If we can apply the simple idea behind that concept, we can assume the following:

The amount of peace in your life is related to the type of people you surround yourself with regularly.

You'll be exposed to many people you wouldn't ordinarily choose as friends (i.e. at work, school...) and some of them will seem as though their sole purpose in life is to rob and drain you of any peace you've accumulated up to that point. Ignore them! Blow them off! Don't let them get to you. You have to decide not to consider what they've said or done to steal your peace. If they succeed, it's because you let them. Choose not to let them succeed.

Always move forward.

A Microwave World:
It's the new millennium and I have to confess, I'm just as guilty as the next person of taking advantage of things that make life easier, faster and more fun.

Consider the microwave and how at the press of a button we can eat a fairly descent meal within minutes or less. Another significant advancement in technology is the cell phone which has profoundly changed my life. I can be reached virtually anywhere at any time by anyone. I can also reach my family and friends where they are at any moment.

Just a few years ago some friends and I were talking about how great it would be to have a wrist-phone like that of the popular cartoon characters Inspector Gadget and Dick Tracy. Little did we know it would become a reality and a resounding success within our lifetime. Now my friends and I cannot fathom what it would be like again without the possibility of instant communication.

How about that evil computer, as my mom used to call it. I'm almost positive that before she died, she seldom, if ever personally used a computer. She didn't see, consider or care about it's potential.

Anyway, all that to say this: We can appreciate and enthusiastically embrace modern technology and still experience peace in our lives, but we should be careful not to lose focus or our heart's desire to live within the healing walls of peace.

We have to catch ourselves in the middle of things that deter us from seeking for and obtaining peace in our lives, and do something else. I don't turn on the TV sometimes because I know I need to stop the world around me and just think, read, draw, write, etc. Whatever will draw me closer to the peace I desire.

I pray you find true peace in your life time.

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