Embracing Serenity: Ways to Share Peace Like St Francis
- Mandy L Gero, GH Blog
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Peace is a rare treasure in today’s fast-moving world. Many seek it but few truly know how to share it with others. St Francis of Assisi, known for his deep connection to nature and gentle spirit, offers timeless lessons on living and spreading peace. His life shows that peace is not just a feeling but a way of being that influences those around us. This post explores practical ways to share peace inspired by St Francis, helping you bring calm and kindness into your daily life.
Understanding Peace Through St Francis’s Example
St Francis lived in the 13th century but his message remains powerful today. He embraced simplicity, humility, and compassion. His peace came from accepting life as it is and treating all creatures with respect. This approach created harmony not only within himself but also in his community.
To share peace like St Francis, start by understanding what peace means in your life. It is more than the absence of conflict. It is a deep sense of calm, acceptance, and goodwill toward others. St Francis’s peace was active, shown through his actions and relationships, embodying the Peace of Christ.
Practice Simplicity in Daily Life
One of the clearest ways St Francis shared peace was through simplicity. He gave up wealth and lived with only what he barely needed. This simplicity freed him from distractions and worries, allowing him to focus on kindness and service.
You can practice simplicity by:
Reducing clutter in your home and mind
Prioritizing meaningful activities over busywork
Choosing quality over quantity in possessions and relationships
Simplifying life creates space for peace to grow. When you are less overwhelmed, you can respond to others with patience and understanding.
Show Compassion to All Living Beings
St Francis is famous for his love of animals and nature. He saw all creatures as part of God’s creation deserving respect. This compassion extended to people, especially the poor and anyone whom he spoke with along his journey.
To share peace like him, cultivate compassion by:
Listening carefully without judgment
Helping those in need, even in small ways
Respecting the environment and living beings around you
Compassion connects us and reduces conflict. When people feel seen and cared for, peace naturally follows.
Use Gentle Words and Actions
Words and actions carry great power. St Francis chose gentle speech and peaceful deeds. He avoided harshness and sought to heal divisions.
You can follow his example by:
Speaking calmly, even in disagreement
Offering forgiveness instead of blame
Performing acts of kindness without expecting anything in return
Gentle communication helps build trust and understanding. It creates a safe space where peace can thrive.
Embrace Humility and Let Go of Ego
Humility was central to St Francis’s peace, mirroring Christ. He did not seek recognition or control. Instead, he accepted his limitations and valued others equally.
To share peace, practice humility by:
Admitting mistakes openly
Valuing others’ opinions and feelings
Avoiding the need to always be right or in charge
Humility softens conflicts and opens the door to reconciliation. It invites cooperation and mutual respect.
Connect with Nature to Find Inner Calm
St Francis found peace in nature’s beauty and rhythms. Spending time outdoors can calm the mind and renew the spirit.
Ways to connect with nature include:
Walking in a park or forest regularly
Observing birds, plants, or the changing seasons
Practicing mindful breathing in natural settings
Nature reminds us of life’s simplicity and interconnectedness, grounding us in peace.
Build Community Through Shared Peace
St Francis founded a community of followers who lived by his peaceful values. Sharing peace is easier when supported by others who hold similar intentions.
You can build peace in your community by:
Creating spaces for open, respectful dialogue
Organizing group activities focused on kindness and service
Encouraging cooperation instead of competition
Communities rooted in peace inspire individuals to live more peacefully themselves.
Practice Gratitude and Contentment
Gratitude was a daily practice for St Francis. Recognizing blessings, even small ones, nurtures a peaceful heart. His Thanksgiving within the Canticle of Creation, is celebrating 800 years of praise and peace.
Try these habits:
Keeping a gratitude journal
Thanking others sincerely
Finding joy in simple moments
Giving God Thanks for All of Creation
Contentment reduces anxiety and desire, allowing peace to flourish within.
Overcome Fear with Faith and Trust
St Francis faced many challenges but remained peaceful through faith. Trusting in a higher purpose or the goodness of life helps overcome fear and anger.
You can cultivate trust by:
Reflecting on your values and beliefs
Seeking support from spiritual and religious communities
Accepting uncertainty as part of life
Faith in something greater than yourself can anchor peace during difficult times.
Share Peace Through Service
St Francis served the poor, sick, and outcast. Service is a powerful way to share peace because it shifts focus from self to others. Practicing Love and Peace, willing the good of the other only grows more love and peace in our community.
Ways to serve include:
Volunteering at local shelters or food banks
Offering time or skills to neighbors in need
Supporting causes that promote peace and care
Service creates connection and purpose, spreading peace beyond words.
May we celebrate the Peace of St. Francis in each day!