In recent posts I have encouraged healthy dissatisfaction. Throughout this site I have encouraged learning and growth. I truly believe we will have more frequent and longer-lasting ‘moments’ of Happiness not only by acknowledging and facing the turmoil inherent in day-to-day living, but also by intentionally creating some inner turmoil that will expand and stretch our boundaries. The question I keep butting heads with is the question I asked in my very first post – how to reconcile this inner turmoil (my search for Truth) with inner tranquility (my search for Peace). I suppose I’m not getting off on the right foot by ‘butting heads’ with Peace, yet it keeps happening; and Peace (following its nature) patiently gives ground.

And speaking of nature, it is our human nature to be dissatisfied. This yearning is a human characteristic that goes beyond instinct. Furthermore, it is human nature to critically apply thoughts and feelings in order to transform this dissatisfaction into volitional action. We want to be satisfied and we typically work very hard towards that end. Depending on individual intensity, this effort / striving may (in my case, often does) conflict with tranquility.

So how can Peace then provide a satisfaction, when satisfaction requires a certain amount of struggle? Some would argue (legitimately so) that there is Wisdom and Truth to be found in Peace, thus providing satisfaction and the best of both worlds. I might argue though, that Wisdom is more likely to be found in the ‘contemplation’ of Peace (which may or may not occur in the midst of a tranquil state), and that contemplation (to a degree) disturbs tranquility, thus creating a mildly contentious peace.

Yes, the discord is likely a matter of degree, and perhaps semantics; and yes, I should at least occasionally stop butting heads and listen for Peace; but I can’t keep myself from asking – Is there more Wisdom and Truth in Peace, or is there more Peace in Wisdom and Truth?