International Peace and Love Day: Quotes to help you cultivate peace, build happiness

Starting the day on a positive note is a ritual for many of us—whether it’s through meditation, yoga or affirmations. However, we often overlook one uplifting and easy source of inspiration; reading quotes about peace and love by some of the world’s greatest minds. These timeless sayings have the power to uplift our spirits and bring clarity and peace to our minds. Delving into these quotes reminds us to embrace inner peace and reconnect with the love that resides within us all.

Indeed, in our fast-paced world, taking a moment to pause and reflect on these serene sayings can help us navigate challenges with grace. International Peace and Love Day, celebrated on July 7th, aims to promote peace, harmony and love among all. This day encourages individuals and communities to embrace empathy and compassion towards each other. Through various events and activities, International Peace and Love Day seeks to inspire people to work together towards resolving conflicts peacefully. On this day, join us as we explore quotes that can help us cultivate peace and build happiness from within.

“Do not let the behaviour of others destroy your inner peace.” — Dalai Lama

In this quote, spiritual leader and head of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, asks us to maintain our inner peace despite external circumstances. The Dalai Lama encourages us to cultivate a sense of inner calm and peace that is not dependent on the actions of others. He advocates for a mindset that prioritises self-awareness and mindfulness.

“Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Here, American essayist and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson suggests that true peace comes from within and cannot be attained through external factors or from other people. Emerson encourages individuals to look inwards for peace, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance and contentment. By taking responsibility for our own thoughts, emotions and actions, we can be at peace.

“Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy and serenity.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh beautifully captures the essence of being at peace or living in the present moment by stating its everywhere we look. He urges us to recognise that peace, joy and serenity can be found in every aspect of life, even in the simplest of things like breathing or walking. His words remind us of the power of mindfulness, through which we can be sure of experiencing inner peace.

“If I want to live in a peaceful world, then it is up to me to make sure that I am a peaceful person. No matter how others behave, I keep peace in my heart. I declare peace in the midst of chaos or madness. I surround all difficult situations with peace and love.” — Louise Hay

In this quote, American motivational author Louise Hay talks about how creating a peaceful world starts with cultivating peace within oneself. Regardless of the behavior of others, she urges us to be at peace with ourselves and our surroundings. She encourages us to take responsibility for our emotional state, keeping it calm, no matter the storms that have to be faced.

“Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.” — John F Kennedy

Here, American politician, John F Kennedy reflects on the nature of peace as a continuous and evolving journey. Kennedy suggests that peace is not achieved overnight but is a process that involves gradual changes in attitudes and new foundations. His words highlight the importance of patience in creating a world where peace and peaceful people can both flourish.

“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.” — Albert Einstein

In this quote, German-born theoretical physicist Albert Einstein suggests that true peace cannot be enforced through power, but can be attained through understanding. Einstein specially emphasises on the importance of empathy in resolving conflicts. His words remind us that achieving lasting peace requires openness, tolerance and willingness to listen to perspectives that are different from our own.

“Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace.”— Buddha

Here, the Buddha talks about the path we must take to achieve inner peace. He teaches us that the releasing of resentful thoughts is essential for achieving harmony and peace. By letting go of bitterness, we can cultivate a mind free from negativity. Buddha highlights the power of forgiveness in attaining peace and our spiritual wellbeing.

“Talk to yourself like someone you love.” — Brene Brown

Here, American professor and social worker Brene Brown emphasises on the importance of self-compassion and positive self-talk. She asks us to treat ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we offer to our loved ones. Her words remind us that cultivating a compassionate relationship with ourselves is essential for inner peace and emotional wellbeing.

“How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you.” — Rupi Kaur

Canadian poet Rupi Kaur captures the connection between self-love and the relationships others build with us. She suggests that the way we value and care for ourselves sets the tone for how others treat us. By prioritising self-love and self-compassion, we not only enhance our own wellbeing but teach others to treat us right as well.

“When you say ‘yes’ to others make sure you are not saying ‘no’ to yourself.” — Paulo Coelho

Brazilian bestselling author Paulo Coelho emphasises on the importance of self-care and setting boundaries in relationships. He warns us against sacrificing our own needs and desires to please others and advocates for prioritising personal wellbeing. Coelho’s words remind us that maintaining a balance between our commitments to others and ourselves is essential for preserving our overall happiness.

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

American political figure and activist Eleanor Roosevelt talks about the active role individuals need to play in cultivating peace. She states that merely discussing or believing in peace is insufficient, we must make an effort to cultivate peace. She urges us to pursue peace through dedication and empathy, as a stead habit that is life-long.

“Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time.” — Lyndon B Johnson

Here, American politician Lyndon B Johnson describes peace as a gradual process. He highlights the importance of patience in achieving peace and suggests that it requires effort. Johnson words remind us that great change happens gradually—we must not falter thinking it’s a long way ahead, because each of our steps count.

These wonderful quotes offer us valuable insights that help us discover peace and love within ourselves. Each quote serves as a reminder to nurture our inner calm, embrace self-love and cultivate harmony in our lives. By reflecting on these words, we can rediscover the peace within and find inspiration to navigate challenges with grace and compassion.