There’s a profound difference between existing and truly living, between being busy and being genuinely content.

The difference lies in peace. When you’re at peace, life isn’t about constant striving. Instead, it’s about calmly embracing what is, according to Buddhism.

Being at peace doesn’t mean you’ve escaped all life’s challenges. Rather, it’s about how you respond to these challenges. Do they stress you out? Or do you meet them with grace and equanimity?

I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit, and longtime student of Buddhism and mindfulness. I know a lot about the signs of true inner peace, and I’m here to share them with you. 

So let’s dive into the 8 telltale signs you’re truly at peace and content in life, according to Buddhism. I promise you, they’re more attainable than you might think.

1) Embracing impermanence

One of the most profound teachings of Buddhism is the concept of impermanence.

Life, as we know it, is in a constant state of flux and change. Nothing stays the same forever. And this, according to Buddhism, isn’t a cause for despair but rather a source of liberation.

When you’re truly at peace, you understand and accept that everything is temporary. You don’t resist change, but embrace it. You don’t dwell on past losses or constantly worry about the future.

You recognise that every moment is fresh and unique. And this awareness allows you to fully engage with the present moment.

Many of us spend so much time holding onto our past or worrying about our future that we forget to live in the now. But when you’re truly at peace and content, you savour each moment as if it might be your last.

And in doing so, you become more mindful and present, cherishing every moment for its uniqueness and impermanence.

2) Letting go of attachments

Another sign of true peace and contentment is the ability to let go of attachments.

In Buddhism, attachment is seen as the root of all suffering. It’s when we cling to people, things, or outcomes that we set ourselves up for disappointment.

Because remember, everything is impermanent.

When I first started my journey into Buddhism and mindfulness, this was a tough lesson to swallow. It’s easy to become attached to our desires and possessions. But over time, I found a certain freedom in releasing these attachments.

This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy or appreciate things in your life. But when you’re truly at peace, you understand that these things do not define or control you. You can appreciate them without clinging to them.

You learn to live lightly, understanding that happiness comes from within and not from external sources or conditions. 

3) Living mindfully

Mindfulness is not just a concept or a practice, it’s a way of life.

When you’re truly at peace and content, you live each moment mindfully. You’re not just physically present but mentally and emotionally present too. You’re fully engaged in whatever you’re doing, whether it’s washing dishes, taking a walk, or having a conversation.

Living mindfully means you’re not lost in thoughts about the past or the future. You’re not distracted by your phone or your to-do list. Instead, you’re fully here, in the now, experiencing life as it unfolds.

Sounds simple, right? But in our fast-paced world full of distractions, living mindfully can be quite challenging.

Yet, when you manage to cultivate this habit of mindfulness, life changes dramatically. You begin to notice things you usually overlook. You appreciate the beauty of ordinary moments. You enjoy deeper connections with people around you.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve a lot deeper into how Buddhism teaches us to to live mindfully and find peace in the present.

In short, mindfulness brings a sense of calm and peace that permeates every aspect of your life.

If you’re interested in checking it out, you can find it on Amazon here.

4) Compassion towards all beings

Compassion, or ‘Karuna’ in Buddhism, is a fundamental sign of being truly at peace and content.

In its rawest form, compassion is the ability to understand and empathize with the suffering of others and the desire to alleviate it. It’s about recognizing our shared humanity and extending kindness, even to those who may have caused us pain.

When you’re at peace and content, your heart opens up to others’ experiences. You become less judgmental, less reactive. Instead, you respond with understanding and kindness, even when it’s difficult.

Buddhist teachings emphasize that compassion should be extended to all beings – not just those we find easy to love. It’s a radical notion that challenges our natural tendencies towards bias and discrimination.

Compassion can be tough. It requires courage and honesty. It’s not about turning a blind eye to wrongdoing but about understanding that everyone is dealing with their own struggles and pain.

So when you find yourself treating everyone – from your loved ones to strangers on the street – with genuine compassion, know that you’ve reached a significant milestone on your path towards inner peace and contentment.

5) Living with minimum ego

Ego, or the sense of ‘I’, can be a significant roadblock to finding true peace and contentment. It’s what keeps us constantly striving, competing, and comparing ourselves to others.

When we’re driven by our ego, we’re never truly satisfied. There’s always something more to achieve, something else to prove. It’s a never-ending cycle of desire and dissatisfaction.

But when you’re at peace, you learn to live with minimum ego. You understand that you’re not the center of the universe. You realize that everyone is on their own unique journey, and there’s no need for comparison or competition.

This realization was a game-changer for me. As someone who had always been competitive and achievement-oriented, learning to let go of my ego wasn’t easy.

But it was undoubtedly one of the most freeing experiences of my life.

6) Acceptance of suffering

This might sound counterintuitive, but acceptance of suffering is a clear sign of being truly at peace and content.

Buddhism teaches us about the Four Noble Truths, the first of which is the truth of suffering – it’s an unavoidable part of life.

When we deny or resist suffering, we only cause ourselves more pain. But when we accept suffering as a part of life, we can start to find peace amidst even the most challenging circumstances.

This doesn’t mean that you enjoy or seek out suffering. What it means is that you accept it when it comes, without letting it consume or define you.

Mindfulness plays a huge role here. It allows us to observe our suffering without judgment, to sit with our pain without trying to push it away or numb it. As we become more mindful of our suffering, we also become more resilient in facing it.

So if you find yourself accepting and facing your challenges with grace, without letting them shatter your inner peace – congratulations!

You’re embracing one of the most profound teachings of Buddhism and mindfulness.

7) Freedom from resentment

Resentment is like a heavy chain that keeps us bound to the past. It prevents us from moving forward and finding true peace and contentment.

Buddhism teaches us about the destructive power of resentment. It’s not just damaging to our mental well-being, but it also creates negative karma.

When you’re truly at peace, you don’t hold onto grudges or resentments. Instead, you practice forgiveness. Not because the other person deserves it, but because you deserve peace.

This doesn’t mean you ignore or tolerate wrongdoing. But you understand that resentment only harms you and hinders your own growth.

Final thoughts

Finding true peace and contentment in life isn’t about chasing external achievements or possessions, but about cultivating inner wisdom and understanding.

It’s about embracing the teachings of Buddhism and mindfulness in our everyday life.

If you’d like to delve deeper into these concepts and unlock the transformative power of Buddhism in your life, I invite you to check out my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”. 

Remember, the path towards peace and contentment is a journey, not a destination. So take it one step at a time, one breath at a time. And trust that you’re exactly where you need to be.