Rarely does there come along a debut album as great as Boston’s first album. Boston Boston as my good friend Ben calls it. A classic from start to finish. A greatest hits album unto itself. The opening song, “More Than a Feeling”, will forever be embedded in popular culture from one generation to the next…not unlike Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin” (I apologize for just putting both of these choruses in your head just now). Whether you like it or not, both these mammoth songs aren’t going away anytime soon. I chuckle when my 14 year old daughter walks around the house singing one of these tunes, with an invisible microphone held up to her mouth.
With a song as incredible as “More Than a Feeling”, it’s easy to forget about the next song, but I actually think that track two might be better. The sentiment of Peace of Mind always spoke to me, ever since I first beheld this mighty album at age 16.
“I understand about indecision
But I don’t care if I get behind
People livin’ in competition
All I want is to have my peace of mind.”
48 years ago, these young dudes in Boston had something figured out. Peace of mind, baby.
Then there’s this great song from a lesser known band called Dr. Dog.
Peace of mind, come quickly!
The mental heath crisis is real. It dominates much of our national conversation—more than I can remember at any other time in my life.
The older I get, the more I have come to realize that having peace of mind is essential to me. I need it, I will find it, and I’m gonna fight for it. This is a declaration.
It’s easy to get to a place of unease. It’s easy to feel anxious these days. I would say that this is the default for many of us. So much confusion, fear and uncertainty can grip us at any moment. More than I can remember at any other time in my life.
Just like wisdom, you’ll need to obtain peace of mind.
It doesn’t come automatically, naturally, or freely.
1. Find it.
2. Fight for it. (Or keep it)
But how? Put into practice the things that provide you peace of mind.
It’s on you. If you want peace, you have to fight for it (ironically).
I could easily get overly-spiritual and tell you how Christ is the Prince of Peace, and that he leaves his peace with us. He gives peace, not as the world gives (John 14:27).
And this would all be true. But simply quoting scripture to someone doesn’t automatically solve the problem.
I also think we have a part to play in our mental health.
We can make some practical choices that will help us move closer to living in peace.
Better practices.
Slow down. Turn off the news. Be still. Find a quiet place (not the movie). Get out in nature more. Talk to God. Listen to your thoughts. Read all about the Undercurrents.
If you are looking for more peace to fill you life, here is my practical advice to find some.
1. Quietude.
I recently discovered this great word when I was writing my last book. Quietude: a state of stillness, calmness, and quiet in a person. Love it. This dude needs quietude. Did you know that according to Richard Foster, that silence, solitude, and meditation are spiritual disciplines? In his fantastic book, Foster outlines a series of internal and external practices, designed for a deeper, richer spiritual life. A life that builds up the reserves of peace, joy, balance, and contentment. I remember being jarred in my early twenties when I first encountered this book, and learned about solitude, specifically. Now, I can’t live without it.
2. Music.
I believe that music provides peace of mind. I mean, Boston said it first.
If you have a troubled mind, turn on some music.
I LOVE the moment in scripture where David plays his harp music for his king, Saul. King Saul had a turbulent and unsettled mind. David’s playing soothed him and brought him peace. I guess this means that David was the first music therapist. I get it. This happens for me all the time with music. Music is a healer that calms and comforts the soul. BTW, my wife and I had a harpist at our wedding because of this story. We wanted to experience the awesomeness of this gigantic, mystical, stringed instrument.
What type of music ushers you into a place of peace? Worship music? Gospel music? Harp music? Piano music? Classical music? Coldplay? I highly encourage you to invite more music into your life. Have it playing around the house, like in the kitchen while you’re making dinner. Saturate yourself with it, even in the background (instead of having the TV on in the background). It works.
3. Morning prayer walks.
I cannot evangelize this enough. This has been the game changer for me. Get outside in the early hours, and walk or pray. Or multitask and do both. There is something magical about being immersed in the sunrise while talking to God and being out in nature. It’s like strolling through the streets of heaven. My neighborhood, my surroundings, become a sacred environment. A holy place. The sidewalk path is permeated with God’s presence. Before your day gets crazy or stressful, make time in the morning to be filled with perfect peace. Every day.