In Veronika König’s book “Peace of Mind”, the author presents an interesting perspective on the theme of social and world peace, based on peace of the individual mind, considered as the foundation of socio-political peace. The soul is underestimated. The soul is relegated to the corner of the psychology of religion and rejected as a “philosophy of faith”. The author shows how to approach the soul as an interreligious subject. She also shows that the soul should occupy a much more important place in psychology and sociology than is currently the case, especially in academia. Drawing on her own biography and history of illness, Veronika König shows how the peace of mind (soul) is part of a positive psychology that shows us the way forward to build a global society and community that sees peace of mind (soul) as the foundation of socio-political peace. Attached is the author’s interview, which brings the peace of the soul from the religious angle to the here and now and makes it a source of socio-political well-being. In the last two questions, we also see the importance of peace of soul for resilience and the struggle for the well-being of women in society. And at this point writing therapy comes into play…
By Milena Rampoldi, ProMosaik.
What motivated you to write a book about peace of mind?
I have been looking at the subject of the soul for a long time and at a funeral with the famous saying “May his soul rest in peace”, I wondered if we should really wait for our death for this peace of mind (soul).
What is the importance of linking peace of soul to life rather than death? Why should we bring peace of soul into our world without positioning it only in the afterlife?
Our souls were created long before our earthly life and await incarnation with the body in this world. In this place, our souls already experience peace of soul, because the circumstances where discord returns to them is earthly existence. Souls therefore experience this state of peace during their earthly life and expect it. They know that a return will only take place after death, moments of peace of the soul can also be reached here. Peace of mind is the highest and most sublime feeling. The one who lingers in this feeling knows no more suffering. The vices are eliminated and we are in a higher self. In a world where there is currently so much confusion, lies, intrigue and war, more peace of the soul would do good. That would be the solution to many of our problems.
You chose a multi-religious perspective to discuss the topic. Why? What advantages do you see in such an approach?
The soul and the place of its creation know no religion. There is only one connection with God/Allah. It is therefore very interesting to see what religions have done with the theme of the soul and peace of the mind (soul). It follows from the above that there is a great convergence in the 3 religions of the book, namely Islam, Christianity and Judaism. If we follow the Islamic approach that there is only one God (Allah) and that each of the three religions, from Judaism to Christianity to Islam, is of identical origin and is only a continuation of God’s message, we see links and similarities. The distinctions are also clearer. And clarity is important in faith.
How important is a multidisciplinary approach when it comes to the theme of peace of the soul and why?
The peace of mind (soul) is a particularly honorable state. Achieving this state is not something so commonplace. Unlike satisfaction that comes closest to peace of mind and is always confused with peace of mind, it is the soul that matters most. The soul is very fragile and can be affected by many circumstances. Therefore, on the other hand, by respecting these circumstances, we can pacify the soul. Every person has other “disturbing fields” in their life that prevent peace of soul. It was therefore important for me to represent a broad spectrum regarding place and modality in order to be able to commit to achieving our peace of soul.
In the book, you also address the subject in an autobiographical way. Why is it important to refer to yourself and your personal biography?
I have long been interested in life, religion, and the different perspectives of considering both. I myself have done a lot of experiments on the subject during my life. So, I don’t write about a subject that I have “studied”, but that I have lived and experienced myself. I think that this aspect makes my contribution more understandable and authentic.
How important is writing therapy for women when it comes to building their peace of mind?
The voice of peace of soul is silence. The silence during the writing process allows us to get in touch with our soul. I loved and enjoyed the hours I spent writing my book. Since I discovered writing during my illness, I feel it as a therapy and an act of self-reflection. I can therefore recommend that any woman take a note and paper and, in a calm hour, write down her thoughts. Perhaps this experiment will result in a new passion. At home, this passion has been awakened and I am already sitting on top of my next book project and I already have others in my mind.
Which links do you see between this book and the previous one on your illness and the marathon as a symbol of life affirmation?
During my serious illness, I was often confronted with my eventual death. I have experienced not only fear, but also situations of true peace of mind (soul). So I can talk about how this peace of soul feels and can be achieved. Thus, I found not only the affirmation of life, but also the affirmation of eternal life. Maybe my illness was and is just another mosaic in my picture of life.
