PEACEFULNESS DEFINITION:A state of calm that is devoid of strife, agitation, or commotion PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: A relaxed posture (slack muscles, loose limbs, etc.) Smiling or grinning Fingers loosely clasped in one’s lap Closed eyes, with the head tipped back Softened features that imply calm Nodding to others in greeting Leaning back, an arm hooked over the back of a chair Taking a deep, satisfied breath Using a friend’s shoulder as a shelf to rest one’s elbow An unforced laugh Whistling or humming Being honest and transparent—doing what feels right in the moment Sparkling eyes and a weightless gaze Enjoying an event (a movie, a concert in the park, a picnic, etc.) Lying on the grass to soak up the sun Catlike stretches A warm voice with a caring tone Taking slow, easy breaths Half-closed eyes; a lidded look of satisfaction Lacing the fingers behind the head A wide stance and open demeanor Languid movements Rolling the neck back and forth Looping the thumbs in the front pockets while standing An easy, unhurried walk A wandering gaze, taking in random things Noticing and enjoying the small things (stopping to smell the roses) A satisfied sigh Unhurried speech Contentedly taking more time to complete tasks Helping others out of a desire to lift some of their burdens also Expressing a greater interest in the happiness of others Engaging in meaningful conversations INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Drowsiness A lack of tension and stress that almost equates to a feeling of nothingness A steady, calm pulse and heartbeat MENTAL RESPONSES: Being with others with no need to fill the silence Satisfaction with the world at large A feeling of connection to life Appreciating beauty more, in all forms Having no desire to be anywhere else Enjoying listening to others Living in the moment, not acknowledging the past or future Avoiding topics of conversation that will kill the mood Delighting in even mundane, everyday tasks A desire for everyone to experience such peace ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: A lessened need for worldly goods Choosing to spend time with positive or like-minded people A growing interest in spiritual or religious philosophy A desire to maintain a positive status quo Changing one’s lifestyle to accommodate new beliefs, such as recycling or moving to the country Impatience with corporate greed and capitalism A desire for more natural living An increased awareness of one’s body and what goes into it Engaging in new and satisfying hobbies and interests SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Claiming that one’s calm demeanor is simply tiredness Forcing oneself to maintain a slight stiffness in posture Pretending to disengage because of boredom Asking expected questions so others assume one is of the same mindset MAY ESCALATE TO:Happiness,Satisfaction,Connectedness MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Curiosity,Wistful ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Amble, appreciate, chat, discuss enfold, experience, hum, lean linger, loiter, lounge, meander relax, rest, share, smile stretch, stroll, whistle WRITER’S TIP:Choose verbs carefully. The meaning of a sentence can be altered through the words used to describe action. Readers will see a character who trudges up the stairs as being in a different emotional state than one that bounds up them, two at a time.