November 29th, 2004

Finding the missing peace

Regardless of religious background or affiliation (or lack thereof), people usually view the Christmas holidays as a season of peace. But I wonder at times if peace is as common a condition as it once was in our society. Sociologists tell us that peacefulness is something that all mankind seeks and is willing to go to great lengths to find. Unfortunately, however, it appears that more and more people every year seem to be in a constant search for what I call the missing peace.

I imagine that one of the most distressing experiences a racer can endure is to finally complete an engine rebuild—only to discover that a few extra pieces still remain. (And, yes, I speak from personal experience, but please don’t ask.) Of course, I would certainly prefer for that to happen to me than to my family surgeon

But I have also had the opposite scenario come true as well. That’s where you attempt to complete an engine rebuild, only to discover that you are missing a few pieces. We’ve all heard horror stories about nuts or washers inadvertently being dropped in the oil pan or in the manifold valley. And, yes, we’ve even heard stories about surgical tools left in … well, in places where such tools were never meant to reside. Few experiences in life are as challenging as trying to locate a missing piece.

Pardon the play on words, but too often I sense that many people today are still trying to find the “missing peace” that so many of us will celebrate during the current holiday season. What about you? Do you consider yourself to be a person at peace? Are you one whose life is controlled by peacefulness?

I think we can all agree that even though racing can bring about a tremendous amount of personal pride and satisfaction, it is not recommended that we look to racing as a major source of peace in our lives. And while there is great pleasure and a sense of accomplishment to be gained from racing—as well as providing a great diversion from the normal stresses of life—it still is not an ideal wellspring for peace and contentment.

True peace comes as a result of one’s belief system. It comes from within rather than some external experience. Furthermore, some belief systems are more conducive to creating legitimate peace than others.

I suppose people will define peace differently, which is why I use the term “legitimate peace.” Many people seek (and even create) a false peace in their lives, which they mistakenly interpret as true peace. Peace is not merely the cessation of turmoil in your life. It is not merely the absence of strife. True peace is an inner condition whereby you are in harmony with yourself and can function in a place of contentment regardless of the struggles within your life or the circumstances that surround you. It is the result of your actions being in compliance with your beliefs.

Perhaps this time of the season is an appropriate occasion to evaluate (and fine-tune if necessary) the belief system that governs your life. Have you ever tried to define your core beliefs?

Ken Owen

© 2004 TeamRFC