This quote comes from François de La Rochefoucauld: “If you do not find peace within yourself, it is useless to seek it elsewhere.”
What is inner peace, really? It’s a state where we feel at ease, reconciled, relaxed, and content with ourselves. In this state, we are free from external conflicts and any internal struggles. We feel clear and centered, remaining calm in all situations, even the most stressful ones.
This balance is cultivated through mindfulness—living consciously in the moment—and self-reflection, which involves understanding who we are and how we feel. It’s a form of self-leadership, being aware of our emotions, recognizing the patterns of interpretation we follow, and understanding the beliefs that may hold us captive.
Inner peace emerges from within through self-acceptance and, in my view, cannot be compared to the experience of flow, which is tied to an activity. Flow, as defined by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, occurs when we engage in a task to the point of losing track of time and space, where work feels effortless. While both experiences yield satisfaction, inner peace is independent of any activity—it emphasizes equilibrium and serenity. Simply existing is enough to feel this peace, accompanied by the affirmation: “I am at peace with myself and the world. I am exactly as I should be.”
Importantly, inner peace is not about ignorance or egocentrism; it’s about accepting our true selves. For some, discovering this peace may come more easily through activities, but fundamentally, it is a mindset regarding oneself.
I find my inner peace most readily during long walks with my dog, Lotte, without music or a phone—just the path, Lotte, and me. Meditation and mindfulness exercises are also effective methods. However, everyone has their own way of igniting this inner peace, and it’s crucial not to confuse it with the flow experience.
Inner peace can only arise from within.
It’s like a bud that lies dormant in each of us; everyone has the potential to attain inner peace. It is up to each individual whether that bud will ever bloom. In my opinion, inner peace is the foundation for flourishing as our true selves, providing the opportunity to discover talents that cannot be unearthed without it. Without inner peace, we may find ourselves swayed by the opinions of others, still unsure of who we truly are.
Discovering our inner peace means allowing ourselves to be who we are. It’s certainly worth the effort. Let’s embark on this journey together; who knows what wonderful aspects of ourselves we may uncover?
