CEOs' stealing the pensions of tens of thousands of loyal workers; all of these have many of us feeling anxious. Some people are turning off the news and ignoring newspapers, some are watching or reading more than ever, all in an effort to find self-assurance and peace in an uncertain world.

So where can we find our center of calm when the tumult and turmoil of storms threaten? Peace is attainable within the center of the heart, where love dwells. But how to find it, and why?

Keep in mind that personal anxiety, anger, or righteous indignation will not contribute to greater well being for yourself, your family, or our world; quite the opposite.

Only in the depth of your heart will you find true wisdom and thereby be able to be of benefit to yourself and others. But how do you find the peace that is always present? And once you find it, how do you stay peaceful and loving in the midst of conflict?

First, know what love is; define love for yourself, so you can more easily recognise love when you are connected to it. Do you remember a time when you experienced a great feeling of joy and well being, laughter, acceptance and peace? Not the exhilaration of romance, but the experience of openhearted connection is the loving that is enduring and gives meaning and fulfillment to life. Remember times when you experienced this; these times are your reference points. Thinking of them can lead you back to the center of your heart.

Second, pay attention to your breath; focus on the inhale and exhale. As you listen to the sounds of your breathing your body will relax, your mind will quiet and your emotions will calm. This will only take a minute, and can be done anywhere, anytime. Try it whenever you are feeling upset, like in heavy traffic, watching the news or before you intervene in an argument between your kids.

Third, focus your intention on the energy of love and let it penetrate every aspect of your life. Consciously direct loving into your body, mind, emotions, your relationships, careers, finances and family, then reach out to your community, America and the world.

One way to do this is to imagine your loving as a rose-colored light and imagine it spreading to and through all the places you want it to go. Picture it surrounding and filling your loved ones. In the advanced version of this practice, picture it surrounding and filling people you are in conflict with!

When you are in situations that are particularly challenging, try the practice of conscious loving and observe how you handle your intention and imagination to bring yourself back into balance and loving. Most likely, whatever frustrates, confuses or throws you out of balance won't have as much of a negative effect when you are centered in your heart.

A loving life is a happy, well-balanced life. No matter what is going on in the world, by being centered in your heart, you can be the calm in any storm and a great source of nurturing and love for your family, your friends and your community and the world.

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