In a world where disappointment and pain seem to lurk around the bend, finding and maintaining peace can be challenging. The loss of a job, death of a loved one or end of a relationship can instill fear or anxiety in even the most stalwart of people. To help a friend achieve peace, focus on getting her to slow down her mind. "Stop your thoughts, but stay awake, and you will experience the great ocean of peace beyond the mind," says Remez Sasson, author of "Peace of Mind in Daily Life."
Step 1
Tell your friend you support him and care about his well-being. Set aside a time and place that are free of distractions. Let your friend know you want to help him find peace and will work with him toward this goal. As you try to help him feel at peace, you'll more than likely find more peace in your own life as well.
Step 2
Encourage your friend to focus on the present. People who do not feel peace in their lives often worry about the future or dwell on the past. Focusing on the present without judging or evaluating it---also known as practicing mindfulness---can help an individual create peace and contentment in her life, according to Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal and Jon Kabat-Zinn, authors of "The Mindful Way Through Depression: Freeing Yourself From Chronic Unhappiness."
Step 3
Help your friend eliminate negative and self-defeating thoughts. Many times, even more than circumstance, a person's thoughts control whether he feels at peace. If your friend makes blanket statements, such as "I'll always be unhappy" or "My life is a mess," gently remind him of his self-worth and let him know that things can change for the better very quickly in life.
Step 4
Ask your friend to compose a list of things for which she is grateful. Write up your own list as well, then share your thoughts with each other. "Gratitude is a way to incline your heart to joy," says Marci Shimoff, author of "Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy From the Inside Out." She adds, "Everyone has both challenges and blessings, but focusing your heart's energy on your blessings will make you far happier."
Step 5
Encourage your friend to meditate. Meditation, when practiced regularly, can reduce stress, promote better sleep, decrease blood pressure, improve cardiovascular function and immunity and help an individual remain calm and centered during stressful times, according to mind-body expert Deepak Chopra.
Step 6
Spend time in nature with your friend. The serenity of the woods, mountains, ocean or desert can tame a restless or anxious brain. Ask your friend which places make him feel the most calm and at peace and then go there with him. Take walks with him, write in a journal with him or just sit silently with your friend as you both absorb the quiet and stillness around you.
References
- Success Consciousness: Inspiring Quotes: Quotes on Peace of Mind
- "The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself From Chronic Unhappiness"; Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal and Jon Kabat-Zinn; 2007
- "Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy From the Inside Out"; Marci Shimoff; 2009
- Share Guide: Meditation and Spirituality: An Interview With Deepak Chopra
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