Introspection and Inner Peace
By Clara Farres Centeno
Inner peace is a state of being that promotes serenity and a sense of self-regard, especially when making decisions. Inner peace is not characterized by the absence of stress, rather, it is present in an individual in spite of stress. Although daily demands, distractions, and expectations might discourage this, individuals should strive to maintain inner peace to improve their overall mindset. Introspection is the conscious and repetitive examination of one’s own thoughts and emotions, and understanding the underlying beliefs that drive them. While it’s understandable that some individuals may resist the idea of introspection as a means to improve their mindset, from a psychological perspective, such introspection is crucial. Human beings are complex; thus, we have complex thoughts and even more complex emotions. By gaining insight into our motivations, triggers, and behavioral patterns we open the doors to personal growth. This coherent relationship with the self empowers individuals to make more informed decisions, improve emotional regulation, and engage in healthier relationships.
Numerous studies have shown that the identification of negative feelings and reframing of negative thoughts can significantly improve an individual's perception of stressful situations. The cognitive restructuring essential for achieving inner peace may seem perplexing, seeing as thoughts come from our experiences. However, by challenging and eventually transforming negative thought patterns, an individual can learn to respond to stressful circumstances in a more positive way. Briana Wiest says, “You think your past defines you, and worse, you think that it is an unchangeable reality when really, your perception of it changes as you do” (101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think).
Gaining the ability to handle a stressful situation with grace is an often-unappreciated procurement. This achievement is usually accompanied by acceptance and leads to a deeper level of self-understanding. With time, individuals will learn to detect the specific triggers of negative thoughts and habitually reframe them. This better equips people to maintain a sense of inner peace which also contributes to their interactions and relationships with others.
Psychologically, establishing boundaries in relationships is also essential in order to maintain one’s peace. Boundaries can take the form of recognizing and communicating one’s limits in relationships and commitments. This concept is rooted in the Self-Determination Theory, which proposes that humans have a natural incline to evolve toward higher levels of psychological maturity and integration as they grow older. Setting boundaries then becomes a means of facilitating this introspection, allowing individuals to navigate commitments in a way that aligns with their overall well-being. Setting boundaries also simply facilitates introspection.
My hope is that this article emphasizes that certain aspects of life, regardless of their apparent value, can come at a high price when they impact your inner peace negatively. At the core, no material possession, relationship, or goal is worth sacrificing your peace of mind. A state of emotional calmness, free from mayhem, is an asset. It’s important to recognize that when something “costs you your inner peace,” it’s not just inconvenient and uncomfortable, but implies a deeper toll on your emotional well-being. Sometimes, this looks like maintaining your boundaries. Other times, it looks like assessing the benefits and costs of a certain situation and choosing wisely. Most of all, it looks like reaching a point where you trust yourself and the decisions you make.
