Peace is often one of the first things we experience in meditation. It is one of the eight aspects of God as described by Paramhansa Yogananda. As such, the feeling of peace in deep meditation is an experience of communion with God.

Because even beginners often feel a sense of profound peace in meditation, peace is sometimes considered to be less important than, say, seeing light at the light spiritual eye or communing with the sound of AUM. Yet peace, born of inner communion, is greatly needed in these tumultuous times. It can lift us above unrest, anxiety, and fear—not to mention the rising tensions born of anger and hatred.

How, then, do we cultivate this inner peace? Let me share a few thoughts, drawn from Yogananda’s teachings, that have helped me deepen my own experience of inner peace.

Calm the Heart’s Feelings. Yogananda said, “If your heart is truly quiet, you cannot feel fear at all.” The heart grows quiet through a regular practice of deep meditation.

Find a daily meditation practice that helps you to withdraw from the world’s outer commotion so that you can experience the stillness within—in that stillness you will find an expanding world of peace and joy.

Here is a simple but effective meditation technique: Close your eyes and lift your gaze to the spiritual eye—the point between the eyebrows. Now mentally follow the breath without controlling it. With each inhalation, inwardly say, “I am”; and with each exhalation, say, “peace.” Practice this for 10 or 15 minutes, then let go of the technique and sit in the silence. Tune in to the awakened peace within, expanding outward from the spiritual eye.

Live in the Present Moment. In the present moment, we find the presence of God. “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, or worry about the future, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” – Paramhansa Yogananda

In our memories of the past, we may feel longing or nostalgia for happy experiences, and sorrow or regret for painful ones. When we think about the future, we may feel hopeful—but also anxious and worried. In the present moment, we find the presence of God—and a deep, profound feeling of peace.

When we live in the present moment, we open a channel for God’s peace to enter into our lives.

Seek a Higher Perspective. In a conversation with Anandamayi Ma, Swami Kriyananda expressed concerns about the state of the world. In a firm but gentle voice, she replied: “Do you think you have to take care of the world? The One who created this world—don’t you think He can take care of it?”

Everything in this world has a spiritual purpose, as do all things that come into our own lives. Peace comes to us when we see everything—whether seemingly pleasant or unpleasant—as a gift from the Divine, a gift meant to bring us greater understanding and awareness. When we can respond to all circumstances with gratitude, we will know true peace.

Become a Channel for Peace. Let the peace you feel in meditation expand outward, uplifting those around you—and even the entire world. This is not imaginary—it is a magnetic projection of consciousness.

Peace is not a passive state, but a vibrational reality—a subtle, expansive force that naturally radiates outward when the heart is still.

As you begin to feel peace awakening within your heart, allow it to expand outward from your spiritual eye. Feel it filling the room you are in. See it touching the lives of your family and friends, your community, your country, and finally the entire world. Allow this peace to uplift all beings, everywhere.

This feeling of peace grows as we give it away.

Spend Time in Nature. My wife Chandi and I recently spent three days at Ananda Sacramento’s Forest Hermitage Retreat, about an hour and a half east of Sacramento. In that beautiful wooded setting, we felt God’s presence in nature, and were filled with a deep sense of peace. That calm, quiet tranquility inspired me to write this blog post.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life—amidst abundant comforts and conveniences, and our attachment to electronic devices—we have closed ourselves off from the beauty of the world around us. By spending time in nature, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the beauty of the trees, flowers, wildlife, and open sky, we learn once again to feel our connection with all life—with all that is. Through that connection, we we open ourselves up to nature’s transforming vibrations of peace.

Listen to Swami Kriyananda’s song Peace. Tune in to its melody and vibration; it is a musical expression of God’s infinite peace. Invite that peace to shine through your own heart to touch the lives of everyone you meet.

Here are the words to the last verse:

Peace gave us our hearts’ love.

Peace gave us our smiles:

Rays of God’s presence within us.

Light that all strife reconciles.

When we live in the awareness of God’s presence within, we rise above the trials of this world into a state of deep peace, joy, and love. This Peace is the presence of the Divine. May it awaken in all hearts!

If you feel to share a reflection from your own journey, we’d love to hear from you—please leave a comment below.

OM Shanti Shanti,

Suryadas