Ashley Davis Bush presents a collection of short, practical exercises and reflections designed to help readers cultivate peace, mindfulness, and emotional resilience in everyday life. The book’s central message is that inner peace is not found outside—it's created through small, intentional moments of awareness.
1. Peace is an Inner State You Can Cultivate
Inner peace does not depend on external circumstances.
It comes from:
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Awareness
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Acceptance
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Compassion
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Presence
You don’t wait for life to calm down — you learn to calm yourself within life’s chaos.
2. Micro-Practices: Small Moments Bring Big Change
A core idea of the book is using tiny, daily habits to reduce stress, such as:
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3 deep conscious breaths
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A 1-minute gratitude pause
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Relaxing your shoulders
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Bringing attention to your senses (sight, sound, smell)
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Placing a hand on your heart
These “micro-practices” are powerful because they’re easy to do anywhere.
3. Mindfulness: Come Back to the Present Moment
Bush emphasizes mindfulness as the foundation of peace.
Key techniques:
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Observing your breath
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Naming your current emotion (“I feel…”)
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Feeling your feet grounded
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Watching thoughts pass like clouds
Being present interrupts overthinking and anxiety.
4. Compassion and Self-Kindness
Inner peace grows when you practice:
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Self-compassion
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Letting go of harsh self-judgments
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Speaking to yourself as kindly as you would to a friend
Gentleness with yourself builds emotional safety and calm.
5. Acceptance and Letting Go
Many inner storms come from resisting reality.
The book teaches:
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Accepting what you cannot control
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Releasing the need to fix everything
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Letting emotions flow rather than suppressing them
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Allowing life to unfold without constant struggle
Acceptance brings relief.
6. Nature as a Source of Peace
Nature has a healing effect.
Bush encourages:
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Taking mindful walks
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Listening to birds
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Watching the sky
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Using natural imagery (trees, water, mountains) for grounding
Even brief contact with nature helps reset the mind.
7. Gratitude Shifts Your Energy
A few seconds of gratitude can instantly change your emotional state.
Practices include:
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Noting 3 things you are thankful for
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Sending silent gratitude to people you care about
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Appreciating small pleasures (light, warmth, food, breath)
Gratitude creates peace and openness.
8. Creating Meaning and Purpose
Inner peace grows when life feels meaningful.
Bush suggests:
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Doing small acts of kindness
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Engaging in meaningful work
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Connecting with loved ones
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Living with intention rather than autopilot
Purpose gives the mind direction and stability.
9. Connection with Others
Supportive relationships nurture inner stability.
The book highlights:
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Listening deeply
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Being fully present with others
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Sharing kindness
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Maintaining healthy boundaries
Connection reduces loneliness and increases peace.
10. Peace is a Daily Practice
The final message:
Inner peace is a skill, not a one-time achievement.
With small, consistent habits, you can:
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Quiet your mind
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Heal emotional tension
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Increase resilience
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Feel grounded and calm
Even a few moments a day can transform your emotional world.
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