What does it really mean to practice peace in a world that is hurting? Mindfulness, meditation, and inner peace aren’t anpit staying calm at all costs. True peace is presence—the ability to stay awake to what is happening without hardening our hearts or turning away. It is the ground from which meaningful action can arise.

What do you think of when you hear the word "meditation"? Do you picture long-haired hippies aligning their chakras and getting in touch with their chi? Or maybe you have an app where you can listen to a soothing voice that lulls you to sleep (whether or not that was your intent)?