Imagine what would it be like to live without rules? To do what comes to your mind and not follow what has been told? To make your own decisions and not be influenced by anyone's experience? Would you be happier then? Of course! Why wouldn't you be? When the concept of free will actually becomes practical and real, it is only likely to yield happiness of every kind. So, how does one get to this kind of happiness, which translates into inner peace? The answer compiled in a one simple word; spirituality. In the mad world which is dictated by wars over religions and a cut throat competition to make it large, one needs to find a small opening for intermittent sanity, at the least. Awakening your spiritual side is all that it takes to reach a serenity in mind, which allows you to be calm and composed despite the distress around you. Understanding Importance of Spirituality for Inner Peace What is Spirituality? Many confuse spirituality with religion. However, they both are distinct school of thoughts. As, Osho, a prominent spiritual guru once said, "Religiousness means the circumference, and spirituality means the center." This captures the exact difference between spirituality and religion. The former is a way of life, which does not adhere to any kind of a dogmas, whereas the later believes following the prescribed. Spirituality offers every ardent student a chance to explore their very being by awakening the dormant essence of life. What is Inner Peace? Inner peace refers to a state of mind, which resonates oneness within. It eliminates duality in mind and allows one to see life with a fresh perspective. One does not have to live life of an ascetic to attain inner peace. This abstract feeling is very much achievable in regular life as well. For instance, simplifying your life by minimizing your expectations, waking up with a positive thought, working with an aim to reach success and doing your regular activities with a positive perspective is all that it takes to be at peace with yourself. Ways of Reaching It Inner peace cannot be bought and neither can be quantified. It is an experience that one needs to gain by looking within oneself. Meditation is a tool, which spirituality uses to attain inner peace. It isn't about sitting in one place with your eyes closed and humming an incomprehensible incantation. It is about eliminating every single thought from your mind, to experience a peace of mind. Although, it seems very difficult and it takes years of practice to master the art of meditation. There are many types of meditation, which lead followers on the same path of finding inner peace. Vipassana Vipassana is a very ancient form of meditation. It means, to see things just the way they are. It was founded by Gautam Buddha about 2500 years ago and is still a practiced art of meditation in India and in other parts of the world. This form of meditation, helps you transform yourself through self-observation. By understanding the interconnection between mind, body and soul, Vipassana increases your awareness about your own thoughts, feelings, emotions and resulting thoughts. All of this put together, culminates into a spiritually to uplift you and bring you closer to inner peace. Transcendental Meditation Transcendental meditation uses mantras, to help your mind see inward. It allows you to go beyond the mundane thoughts which affect your body in unknown ways. The mind is cleansed by feeling the vibrations of the mantra, bringing it to a restful alertness. Walking Meditation Walking meditation refers to a technique, wherein your body is moving. This can be done when you are walking, running or jogging. Watching your movements and clearing your mind of all the thoughts by concentrating on your breath is the way to perform this meditation. It takes a while to learn this form as it involves exposure to external factors. Breath Watching This is the most simplest form of meditation. Watching your breath is a task that can be done anywhere. Get into a comfortable position, close your eyes and watch your breath. Imagine that your breath you take in is a positive energy for your body and as you breathe out your body is releasing negative energy. Importance of spirituality for inner peace can be felt through simple things in life. For instance, a man at peace will remain unaffected by any kind of criticisms, harsh judgments or flattery. A peaceful mind, knows its purpose and strives to achieve it without any deviations. After all, inner peace is a driving force you always had, but didn't acknowledge it until now!