“To experience peace does not mean that your life is always blissful. It means that you are capable of tapping into a blissful state of mind amidst the normal chaos of a hectic life.” Jill Bolte Taylor’s words hold the essence of Clare Elderkin’s remarkable journey, a story of emerging from the depths of suffering into a realm of profound peace and self – discovery.
Elderkin’s life was a tempestuous sea of hardship for over a decade. The first eighteen years were marred by depression, self – hatred, anxiety, and self – harm. Five more years of intense stress and struggle led to her body’s collapse, confining her to a life of relying on state benefits and carers due to severe pain and chronic fatigue syndrome. Desperate for a cure, she embarked on a relentless search, bouncing from one doctor to another, from alternative therapist to alternative therapist. Though she experienced minor improvements, a full recovery seemed elusive.
It was during this seemingly endless quest that a glimmer of hope emerged. In 2010, a friend introduced her to Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth. The book’s insights into consciousness and presence breathed new life into her weary soul. And then, a miraculous event occurred. One morning, she awoke to a state of pure bliss. For five glorious days, her mind was silent, her pain vanished, and the suffering that had haunted her for so long dissipated. But when this idyllic state ended, she was thrust back into the harsh reality of her illness. Determined to reclaim that peace, she spent the next five years devouring spiritual literature, courses, and videos, only to find her search fruitless—until she met a group of monks. Their profound sense of peace was palpable, and she knew they held the key. She journeyed to Spain to study with them, and in the process, uncovered the secrets to transcending her mind and finding lasting peace.
Elderkin shares three fundamental steps that can guide anyone towards a life of peace:
1. Disentangle from the Web of Thoughts
Contrary to common belief, achieving peace doesn’t require silencing thoughts. Instead, it’s about observing them without attachment. Thoughts only disrupt our peace when we get caught up in their narratives, losing touch with the present moment. How often do we go through the motions of our daily routine, like walking a familiar route, only to arrive at our destination with no recollection of the journey? Our minds are consumed by past arguments or future anxieties, making the stories in our heads our perceived reality. But these thoughts hold power only if we believe them. By redirecting our attention to the present, tuning into our senses—the feel of the breeze, the sound of birds, the sight of colors around us—we can break free from the grip of stress and suffering.
2. Shatter the Cycle of Negativity
Our emotions are a reflection of our focus. Thinking about pleasant things elicits positive feelings, while dwelling on negative aspects brings on stress and anxiety. Unconscious thinking, where we get lost in the dramas of life, fuels this cycle of negative emotions. When we notice ourselves feeling down, it’s a sign that we’ve strayed into the realm of unwanted thoughts. The solution is simple: return to the present. Acknowledge the lingering stress and allow it to flow through our bodies. In just a minute or two, we can start to feel better. But the potential goes beyond mere relief; we can achieve a state of peace that remains unshaken by life’s storms.
3. Connect with the Wellspring of Peace
The source of true peace lies within us, in our true selves—pure conscious awareness, beyond the mind’s chatter and negative emotions. To access this source, we must first practice returning to the present whenever we find ourselves lost in thought. By gradually shifting our attention away from our thoughts and life circumstances and towards our true nature, we can experience profound peace. One way to do this is by focusing on the space that surrounds us and exists within us. Just as we can notice the space between objects in a room, we can also sense the vast, open space within ourselves. This space has the power to scatter our obsessive thoughts, creating room for peace to flourish.
Elderkin’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of these practices. By choosing where to place her attention, she not only found peace but also experienced deep healing. She no longer succumbs to self – criticism or fearful thoughts. When such thoughts arise, she simply smiles and lets them go. This newfound calmness has also allowed her body to heal, as the stress and negativity that once drained her energy have dissipated.
This path to peace is not reserved for a select few; it’s available to everyone. It’s a birthright, a journey of rediscovery that anyone can embark on. By practicing these simple yet powerful techniques, we can transform our lives, replacing suffering with serenity and embracing a state of being where we can roll with life’s punches, acting from a place of calm and groundedness. So, take the first step, and start your own journey towards the peace that has always been within you.
