How to Cultivate More Inner Peace with Beauty and Order
With all that is happening in the world these days, inner peace feels somewhat impossible and even unreasonable.
But times of turmoil are not the time to abandon yourself and your needs for peace and calm. This is when we double down.
I learned a practical, accessible framework to manage internal and external chaos over 30 years ago that still supports my day-to-day.
Read on for this tip – I hope applying it in your life today will help you find some peace in your heart and help you create positive ripples.
Also read on for some new things I’m loving that I know you’ll find helpful.
The Life-Changing Tip I’ve Used for 30 Years
A million moons ago in college I was in a two-day training with 20 undergrads and a brilliant if slightly intimidating Cornell professor. Several hours in, with many more to go, the conference room looked like it had been taken over by monkeys. Papers, crumbs, sweatshirts everywhere. (Before cellphones and laptops, can you even imagine?🤣).The professor reached her tipping point and we braced for a lashing. But instead, she took a breath and took a beat.
Then encouraged us to take a moment and “restore beauty and order” in the room.
We took a collective pause. Then tidied the room, pulled ourselves together, took a quick walk outside and started fresh about 15 minutes later, feeling renewed and able to focus.
My type A, easily overwhelmed, psychology-loving self had never felt so seen. 😅
Beauty + Order in Harmony
That day I learned the power of beauty and order to transform everyday chaos to inner peace.
Will it save the world? No. But can it help you in this moment when things feel fragile or spun out? Absolutely.
Here’s what I mean and how you can apply it to your life starting today.
Beauty
Beauty is the richness and color of life. But to even exist, beauty requires mindfulness.
The essence is about paying attention and being present for the little and big things that light you up. I often suggest clients start a list (Twinkle List to many of you), but here are some everyday beauties I’ve been hearing lately:
A new notebook
The smell of homemade chocolate chip cookies
A hug from your little one
A text from your bestie
A candle and fresh flowers on your bedside table
Twinkle lights in a reading nook
Beauty is everywhere you choose to see it.
Enhance beauty by appreciating it. Feel grateful, then share those positive emotions to create even more moments of connection.
Order
Order is how we bring structure to our inner and outer environments and the bridges in between. It helps us create white space in our minds, our homes and days. You need white space more than you know in order to thrive.
The presence of order is profound. It can reduce stress, help you make the most of your potential and achieve personal growth.
Outer order is what I like to watch people create on Tik Tok 🤣. Most women I work with are highly sensitive to clutter and disorder, even connecting it with mental health.
Inner order refers to our thoughts, self-discipline, and our health-promoting routines.
Order is less about control, and more about living with intention and presence.
Ready to sprinkle more beauty and order into your days so you can experience more inner peace? Here are a few ways to start today:
Pay attention to beauty. Be mindful. Surround yourself with the beautiful – thoughts, friends, things, art, nature, well-designed spaces. Notice how beauty elevates your mood and provides a sense of wonder.
Embrace creativity. Any form of self-expression – gardening, cooking, crafting, anything, is usually a guaranteed dose of beauty.
Enjoy nature. There is something about being outside that brings beauty into every moment.
Connect with what matters most. For inner order, explore your unique version of sense of purpose, mindset, values and of self-discipline in the face of thousands of daily choices. Where does faith fit in? What matters most?
Create rituals, set goals. Some order bridge inner and outer worlds. Look at your rituals, routines, goals…these bring order to the days and weeks. Designed well, these are full of life-affirming potential.
Declutter. Decluttering and being intentional about your physical space can promote that outer order, inner calm most of us aspire to.
Manage your time. There is no one-best-way to manage your time (especially if your energy varies, and when life happens), but designing days in service of your values is key to feeling satisfied.
Loving This week 🧡
Neuro🌶️? Checkout the ADHD Awareness Expo
Fascinating read: The Hero’s Journey to Well-Being in Psychology Today
Lovely listen: Pride and Prejudice on Spotify
Cozy vibes for work or home: discovered by my 7 year old
Continuous Glucose Monitor: Nutrisense replenished my $75 off (!) coupon codes. Email me for yours. * November/December is one of my fave times to track blood glucose.*
Virtual Co-working: Always a win.
Considering: Has anyone tried a Walking Pad for your desk? I’ve had a standing desk for around 15 years, but have been wondering about one for the really cold and really hot days, or even just for blood flow. If so I’d love to hear how you like it.
New Offerings 🧡
As requested, and in light of the world craziness, I’ve launched some new, very accessible 1:1 coaching offerings, including a 90 min Wellbeing Consult and 30 min follow-up sessions with no long coaching commitment. Now is the perfect time to design a strong ending to 2023 or plant seeds for a healthy and meaningful 2024.
Self-Reflection
How can I cultivate more beauty and order? What would it mean to feel MORE INNER PEACE?
Note: I only endorse products I personally use and highly recommend. If you grab any of these products via my links, I may get a small commission. However, there is no extra cost to you and no pressure to purchase anything.