This month, with author Saskia Davis's permission, I offer you "The Symptoms of Inner Peace." I think we are all intimately familiar with the symptoms of stress-- such as feeling overwhelmed, irritable, worried, and impatient-- but often forget or just don't know how to recognize an increase in our own symptoms of inner peace.

Be on the lookout for symptoms of inner peace. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed; and it is possible that people, everywhere, could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of inner peace:

1. A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.
2. An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
3. A loss of interest in judging other people.
4. A loss of interest in judging self.
5. A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.
6. A loss of interest in conflict.
7. A loss of the ability to worry - this is a very serious symptom.
8. Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
9. Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.
10. Frequent attacks of smiling.
11. An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.
12. An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

I've found that one way to create more inner peace is to intend it. The following five intentions can be stated aloud or silently at anytime.

1. Today, I intend to accept everything as it is.
2. Today, I will do something that makes me feel more peaceful.
3. Today, I release the pressure to be perfect or to do everything perfectly.
4. Today, I'll be kind and compassionate toward myself and those around me.
5. Today, I'll slow down and take time to "just be."

By using these intentions (and/or by creating our own intentions) on a daily basis we can more easily sustain a sense of peace and equilibrium in our lives.