Leading A Peaceful Life

Sounds simple, right? I mean, how difficult can it be to lead a peaceful life? Is peace as elusive as some make it out to be? Was 'peace' created as a marketing tool for those offering courses to teach us how to find 'peace' wherever we are, whatever state of mental health we're in?

Could a peaceful life be 'found'? Or is it up to ourselves to find peace with ourselves, in whatever environment we're in? Do we expect others to create a peaceful life or do we make an effort to make our lives a better one? Are we the captains of our lives? Or do we always want others to show the way and take the easy way out than putting in some effort to find peace?

Could we just turn a blind eye to our surroundings in our endeavour to find peace? If we see a fight at the carpark, most probably caused by someone sneeking into a parking spot or someone accidentally causing a dent in another's car, do we have the moral guts to step in and interfere in the argument, so that the aggrieved parties are able to shake hands at the end of it? Are we afraid of the negative consequences so much so that we choose to look the other way and achieve a 'peaceful' life?

If we see a crippled beggar at the local pasar malam, should we feel pity for him/her and place a few dollars into the collecting tin? Or do we consider him/her part of a syndicate and walk away, knowing that the syndicate will 'take care' of them, if we choose not to donate some money? Will we feel better by placing a few coins into the tin? Is the money used to placate our feelings of guilt or do we donate sincerely, in the hope that the few coins or dollars collected will go a long way to provide a better life for the beggar? Should we look at disdain at those who only place a few coins into the container? If a rich person only donates RM1.00, are we going to look at him/her cynically, knowing that he/she could've afforded a lot more RM1.00 for the crippled beggar? Can peace be bought?

Life is full of complex considerations. One man's meat may be another's poison. If a person goes forth to spread happiness and cheer to the world, one might think that the person has ulterior motives. Maybe the person is selling happiness and cheer. Is Santa Claus real? Is there such generous people in this world? Yes, there are. But few, they are. However, it is sufficient that these few exist, to spread as much happiness and cheer to the world as possibly can. Is such person sane? Will we be afraid of such happy and cheerful person? Is he psychotic?

Is it easier to be happy or sad? It has been said that less facial muscles are used to laugh than to frown. So should we laugh all the time? No, but smile more often. Those who laugh more are more healthier, both spiritually and physically. Laughter is infectious. Find every reason to laugh. It's easy. I was attending a funeral wake near my house. While the chanting session was in process, I noticed that a neighbour had in his arms a mat and pillow. Isn't that hilarious? I mean, the prayer was in session and the neighbour could've decided that enough is enough, and that he's moving out to find some peace and quiet, knowing that prayer chantings would last at least three days? Almost everyone else who attended this funeral wake was cheerful and none were too sad. Isn't it good for the deceased, knowing that her passing didn't bring sadness to those closest to her? Looking more than 85 years old, she would have wished for happiness for those close to her and she'd moved on peacefully.

Leading a peaceful life is not too difficult. Choose to spread happiness and cheer and peace will come to you. Do to others the way you want others to do to you. We'e heard this advice umpteen times and should put it into practise than just let it remain in theory. Go to a quiet place to contemplate on Life and seek peace in life. It's easier than you think and you'd be better for it. I'm going to choose to be happy and spread cheer to everyone I know. How about you? May you lead a peaceful life...