How to experience more serenity

Serenity is feeling a sense of peace, despite whatever might be happening in our lives and in the world around us. It’s an emotion that can be cultivated with intention and practice. By choosing to practice serenity in this moment, we train ourselves to develop it as a resource we can draw upon in the future. Every choice of serenity adds up, not just in reducing your present stress, but also in building towards happiness.

Research has found that one of the key elements of serenity is acceptance. This is the (very difficult!) act of accepting what is not within our control. To cultivate serenity, try this:

1. Ask yourself, what am I worrying about or ruminating on right now?
2. Identify, is this something within my control?
3. If no, decide if you can let it go, even just a little bit, for the greater goal of serenity. If yes, take whatever action towards it that’s needed, and then, once again, decide to let go of the outcome.

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