Live at peace

The book was called "Practising the Presence of Peace" and as it was available as a free download from Amazon for my Kindle.  I couldn't resist it. I was in need of some peace that day and here was a promise and it would cost me nothing!

It is an "interesting" read. It outlines the philosophy of a psychologist referred to throughout as Dr Charlie as written by his friend and follower Bear Jack Gebhardt. The fictional psychologist's full name is Charles Bernard Lawrence, a reference to the spiritual writing of Brother Lawrence whose book the practise of the presence of God is a spiritual classic. In fact the whole book is a rewrite of that book which comprises the thoughts of a seventeenth century carmelite monk. But the present book is written for today's multi-faith and secular world seeking spirituality without traditional religious commitment.

Dr Charlie outlines one simple idea which he then develops into a philosophy by which to live his life. The book is repetitive as it works with the same basic idea in many different versions and looks at the practical implications and likely counter arguments. The one simple argument of the book can be summed up in the following paragraph:

"You enjoy your peace when you are at peace with the thoughts you are thinking. Whenever necessary, simply ask: am I at peace with this thought, yes or no? If the answer isn't an immediate and spontaneous yes then it is a no. If the answer is yes - you are at peace with your thoughts - that's perfect! Keep thinking them. If the answer is no then you have two options
a.   drop the thought with which you aren't at peace and find or chose or create a thought with which you are more at peace; or
b.   choose to be at peace with the thought which a moment before you were not at peace."

Peace is seen as health and holiness. Following thoughts that bring peace he argues will lead to right actions, right relationships and healthy attitudes in all parts of life. The author makes reference to many religious ideas but says the technique can be practised by an atheist. Peace is the ultimate reality of existence. Some may call this peace God or Christ or whatever - it doesn't matter - what matters is following the way of peace.

The book is an interesting reworking of a spiritual classic but the simple path that it suggests following requires self discipline and resolve which should not be underestimated.  The idea of controlling how you feel by re-framing your thoughts about the issues that may be troubling you is the basis of all contemporary counselling and much psychological help.

The book may be of help to some. It certainly is very positive and well meaning. It is slanted to appeal to secular searchers for peace who have no room for traditional religion in their modern lifestyle.