Chapter 1: The Quest for Peace

Experiencing a "sense of peace" is often depicted in literature as a warm, serene moment free from conflict. However, in recent times, such tranquility seems more like a figment of imagination than a reality. The notion of achieving inner peace can be perplexing; recognizing it often pulls us away from that very feeling, much like trying to catch fleeting shadows in our sight. After a weekend filled with unsettling news and emotional turmoil, it can feel as though that coveted sense of calm is slipping further away.

Despite the chaos, I unexpectedly found myself enveloped in peace during a recent experience, a feeling that was both unfamiliar and profound. This revelation allowed me to reflect on the components contributing to that tranquility, helping me to prolong the moment and gain insights into my relationship with myself and my habits.

Here’s what unfolded during a night drive in Hawaii.

Photo by Vlad D on Unsplash

Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey

Location: Maui, Hawaii Time: 9 PM

Residing in New York City, I find myself surrounded by urban life that often overshadows the beauty of nature. In contrast, I grew up in the Southwestern United States, where the vast desert landscape was just minutes away. My partner shares a similar background, and our fondness for road trips along the West Coast initially brought us together.

Fast forward to the present, I was in Maui celebrating a friend's birthday—a trip that had been planned a year earlier. Life circumstances led to an intimate gathering of friends, a rare occurrence that called for a memorable dinner at a highly recommended restaurant. As we enjoyed each other's company, our laughter echoed against the backdrop of the ocean and a starlit sky.

While we prioritize travel, sometimes life’s demands make it challenging to escape the city. For instance, my diagnosis with a large, rare brain tumor in Fall 2021 tethered us to New York for treatment—read more about my experience in my series here on Medium. When travel resumed, it often felt more like a return to routine than an escape.

This difficult chapter has shaped my emotional landscape, with crisis mode becoming the norm. Even moments of calm felt tinged with underlying anxiety, resembling the anticipation of an impending earthquake.

It’s essential to acknowledge that every individual carries some form of trauma. While the intensity varies, it manifests in worries, tasks, and emotional baggage, creating an invisible hum in our lives. Consequently, finding genuine peace can be a challenge.

Yet, we all possess deeper-rooted touchpoints of joy. When multiple points intersect, a warm sensation envelops us, silencing the chaos within. By allowing ourselves to embrace these feelings of contentment, we can experience that elusive “sense of peace.”

Photo by Tim Foster on Unsplash

Chapter 3: The Night Drive Revelation

As my partner slept beside me, I gazed out at the night sky, free from urban light pollution, revealing countless stars and soft clouds. The lingering taste of coffee lingered on my palate, and the music, played at just the right volume, induced a blissful trance reminiscent of long drives on rural highways. The warm summer air flowed through the open windows, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace.

Looking out over the dark Pacific Ocean, I realized I was in a state of true peace—a feeling I hadn’t experienced in nearly a year. Modern life demands our constant attention, inundating us with both external and internal noise. While some distractions can be ignored, many cannot. Recognizing this, it’s crucial to carve out moments of tranquility and actively dwell in them. To do this, we must identify our touchpoints and, more importantly, recreate them.

While I cannot simply abandon my lease and escape to Maui, I can break down the elements that fostered my peace and integrate them into my everyday life. I find joy in coffee shops, so I can choose to disconnect from my phone and enjoy my coffee there instead of taking it to go. Even without a car for spontaneous road trips, I could take more bike rides along the West Side Highway while listening to my favorite driving tunes. Although I may not have Maui’s dark skies readily available in Midtown Manhattan, the nearby Poconos and Catskills offer a suitable alternative for reconnecting with nature.

Ultimately, what Maui taught me is that peace is not something we passively await. Rather, it is something we actively cultivate by recognizing and intentionally repeating the experiences that bring us joy.

This video explores the balance between ambition and peace of mind, delving into the contrasts of external versus internal success and how to navigate them.