Some Essential Ways To Keep Your Sense Of Peace

by | Sep 14, 2022 | How To | 0 comments

We all want more peace in our lives, it is fair to say. Whether you currently feel you are quite peaceful or not, this is something that you might well be keen to have in your daily experience. Of course, as with so many good things, it can be hard to come by. However, as long as you are doing all you can to follow some essential steps, you should find that it is perfectly possible to keep your sense of peace easily enough.

In this post, we are going to discuss just some of the most powerful ways to keep your sense of peace in your daily life. As long as you have made use of these, you will find that this happens much more easily than you might have thought. That will then lead to a more peaceful, joyful and enjoyable life.

Some Essential Ways To Keep Your Sense Of Peace | Uncustomary

Build A Routine

Peace often requires a strong sense of stability, and one of the most effective ways to bring more stability into your life is to build up a routine of some kind or another. Routine is one of those things that sound very dry but are actually really enjoyable once you get them set up properly and fully. The good news is that your routine can be anything you like at all. It might be based around your work, or it might not be – it’s all about making sure that you are doing what you enjoy, and making it regular.

Over time, this is going to lead to more and more stability, and ultimately a greater sense of peace, so it really is something that’s well worth aiming for as best as you can. You might be surprised at how much it can help you out with regard to your feeling of peace in general.

Keep Embodied

We all have a tendency to step outside of our bodies from time to time, especially when it is painful to remain inside them. If you are keen to find peace for real, however, you are going to need to avoid doing this at all, or as little as possible anyway. Keeping embodied is really important, though it’s not something that everyone finds equally easy or simple to do.

Some Essential Ways To Keep Your Sense Of Peace | Uncustomary

To stay connected to your body, you need to think about some of the practices that might best help. You might, for instance, decide to have some kind of grounding exercise. This can be deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or some exercise. Really whatever you like, so long as it has a way of keeping you in touch with your own body.

Beyond that, it’s just about recognizing when you have started to feel separate from your body, so that you can ensure you are going to rectify it as soon as possible. Keep mindful of the feeling of the body, and if you start to lose that mindfulness, take it as a sign that your sense of peace is soon going to waver. Then you can apply the appropriate solution before it’s too late.

Enjoy The Silence

Silence is a true balm, although not a lot of people really see it that way. Our culture very often seems to be determined to be as noisy as possible, and part of the result of that is that you will often find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. You will certainly not feel at peace if you are not spending much time in silence, so that’s something to bear in mind.

Instead, try to find some time each and every day to be in silence for a while. This is a really important part of being able to find your own peace, and it’s something that you should actually be able to do easier than you might assume. There are many ways to find some silence. You might take yourself away into nature for a while – itself something of a balm – or just have a bath, for example. Again, meditation can help too.

However you do it, just make sure that you are enjoying the silence as fully as you can. You will be glad you did, and you will find peace is your friend so much more easily and naturally as a result of this too.

Some Essential Ways To Keep Your Sense Of Peace | Uncustomary

Take Care In Relationships

Relationships of all kinds are of course an inevitable and important part of life. It’s really important that you are finding a way to be in your relationships that is conducive to a peaceful life, and there are a few things to bear in mind if you want to do that. Probably one of the most vital is that you are respecting yourself first and foremost while interacting with that person. That means not giving too much of yourself away, ensuring that you are communicating your needs clearly, and generally trying to look after yourself like that.

It also means keeping one eye open to the possibility of being used. This can happen in a lot of ways, and there are some major signs that it is happening. For instance, you may feel that you are being lied to even though you know the truth – as you can read about here. Or you might just notice that the boundaries are being blurred or even outright crossed. All of these kinds of things are important to keep an eye out for, so that you can make sure you are stepping away from that person when they happen.

Because relationships are a place where we often learn the most about ourselves, much of this can be quite difficult, so that is something that you will need to bear in mind too. Make sure that you are being careful about how you are acting to people as well, because this too is going to affect how much peace you have in your heart and in your life generally. If you can do that, it’s going to make for much better relationships, and you will find that this makes a huge difference in general.

Treat People Right

That is actually something that is worth thinking about in its own right, because it is one of the most important things that can affect your sense of internal peace. If you are not treating people how they deserve to be treated, how you would want to be treated, then you will find you have an inescapable disquiet in your heart. Treating people properly will allow you to feel much lighter within yourself, and much more able to feel and be in touch with your natural sense of peace.

Some Essential Ways To Keep Your Sense Of Peace | Uncustomary

What kinds of things should you try to remember when it comes to how to treat people? There are a few things in particular that might prove important. For instance, everyone deserves fair and equal treatment, as well as a good deal of basic human respect. You should also try to be as compassionate as you can to others, although there might of course be times when this is not easy to do. However, the more love and compassion you bring to people, the easier it will be to feel peace – and the same will be true for them as well.

As you can see, treating people appropriately is a really important part of trying to have more peace in your life, so be sure not to overlook this essential part of the process. It’s a lifelong challenge that you need to try and get right, as best as you can.

Show Yourself Compassion

Compassion is not just something that you need to show to other people, however. There is also much to be said for showing yourself some compassion. In fact, this is something that many people find to be a lot more difficult than treating other people right. You might find that you have a way of engaging with yourself which is not all that kind. If so, changing this is going to mean that you can develop a lot more peace. Of course, as with many of the things outlined here, this can be much harder to achieve than you might hope.

If you think that you might need to show yourself some more compassion, you can start by trying to forgive yourself for your foibles and failings. We all have them, nobody is perfect, and this is just a normal part of being alive. So the sooner you can forgive yourself, the sooner you can naturally start showing yourself the love you deserve.

Some Essential Ways To Keep Your Sense Of Peace | Uncustomary

And once you do that, you are going to find that you have a much easier access to the peace that you have been hoping for.

If you can put all that together as best as you can, you will find that you have much more ability to be compassionate towards yourself. That is the kind of thing that leads to much more of a sense of peace in your daily life. It is possible to have this most of the time, so make sure not to give up until you get it.

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject:

Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.

🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

I’m so glad you asked.

DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.

The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.

There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.

There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.

The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.

And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.

I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.

I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.

That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

There are Merriment Makers everywhere.

People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.

Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.

I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.

And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.

There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.

I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com

🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle