General, Technique, Carers and Healing
Frequently Asked Questions

We believe that each person is unique, and therefore will have a unique experience and pace of learning. To support our members on your journey to release negative stress and tension, we have answered the most frequently asked questions. The questions have come from people like you - we hope you find them helpful.

If there is a question that is not listed or you would like to send feedback, please contact us

General Questions

Q.  Why is it called Peace at Work?
A.  The name Peace at Work describes the practical experience of peace at work in your body and your life.

Q.  What is peace? Can anyone attain peace or do you have to be a monk or yogi?
A.  Peace is our natural inner state. Anyone can attain peace by releasing the negative stress and tension that is masking it.

Q.  How long does it take before I notice the benefits?
A.  The Peace at Work Technique is a tangible experience with feedback. You learn to still your mind, identify the stress and tension in your life and start feeling the benefits immediately

Q.  What is the difference between Peace at Work and other techniques?
A. Peace at Work is an accelerated stress release technique practiced with your eyes open. It gives you constant, tangible feedback and tracks your progress while you cultivate inner peace. By practicing the Peace at Work Technique, you will experience the visual, emotional, mental and physical release of negative stress and tension. Peace at Work is free of doctrine, philosophy and personality.

Q.  Can anyone relax their mind?
A.  Yes, if they have the desire and willingness.

Q.  Do I need a teacher to learn how to focus properly?
A.  Not with the Peace at work technique - it is a simple step by step process which includes how to teach others.

Q.  I'm really worried. I can't sit still for a minute let alone 20 minutes. Will this work for me?
A. Peace at Work provides you with a very simple structure to work with. In order to build a foundation of stillness, you begin with 5-minutes a day and build up to 30-minutes a day over a 5-week period. At the end of this you review what is realistic and practical for your lifestyle.

Q.  Is there any religious implication or affiliation with the Peace at Work Technique?
A.  No, our aim is to offer an approach that is simple, clear and doctrine free. Cultivating peace within is the only focus. Inner peace and stillness is essential in every human life. Our wish is that each and every one of us experience this.

Q.  How long should I practice it for?
A.  This will depend upon the reasons you want to practice. We recommend you build a foundation starting with 5-minutes a day and build it up over 5 weeks to a consistent 20-minutes a day. At this point you can evaluate what is realistic for your lifestyle and stick to that routine. It could be anything from 10 to 30-minutes per day, or even more, depending upon the reasons you want to practice Peace at Work.

Q.  Before I started Peace at Work I did so much. I am really worried that the practice is making me too relaxed. Is my calmness killing my drive for success and motivation to do things?
A.  This question can be likened to rowing a boat with a flat front - it takes a lot of effort. When you build a regular practice of Peace at Work, the resistance diminishes - so the front of the boat becomes more pointed and with the same effort you go further.

Q.  Can I practice with family members and friends, or is it better to practice with someone I don't know?
A.  Either way is fine, just remember a simple saying "volunteers get better results than conscripts".

Q.  Some of my friends take a walk, go for a run, practice yoga or listen to music to relax. Do these forms of exercise or relaxation do the same thing as Peace at Work?
A.  It depends if you want ‘relief' from stress - or ‘release' of stress. You can experience stress ‘relief' through physical exercise and listening to music. You will experience stress ‘release' through Peace at Work.

Q.  Practicing evenings after dinner used to work well. However once I progressed beyond 10-minutes I found that I was overcome by tiredness (eg. yawning, drooping eyelids, difficulty maintaining focus). Unfortunately with 2 small boys finding another time while they're awake is difficult.
A.  We suggest you stay with 10-minutes a day for a couple of weeks longer, (in this instance more time isn’t better) being overcome by tiredness, yawning, drooping eyelids and difficulty maintaining focus is a sign that more tension is coming up than you are letting go, therefore 15-minutes will only make the release harder. We have stories from Peace at Work members that have including (in the same room) young children and pets, after a while they get use to it, in fact it has had a positive effect on them. We encourage inclusiveness.

Q.  I need a better mirror. I find that with the one I'm currently using (a compact make-up mirror) the background tends to impede my focus.
A.  Please spoil yourself with a new mirror, you are worth it!!

Technique Questions - for individuals practicing the Peace at Work Technique.

Q.  Why is having your eyes open important?
A.  Practicing with your eyes open is one of the strongest ways of maintaining focus. Where there is focus there is peace, where there is peace there is release.

Q.  Is it better to practice in the morning or evening?
A.  Early morning is favorable, however it is more important to practice at a consistent time when you are not stressed or tired.

Q.  Why is it important to be consistent with the time I practice? I'm not an early riser. Can't I just fit it into my day when I can?
A.  When you develop a consistent routine, about the same time each day your mind and body do not have to constantly re-adjust to new sets of distractions. There are a few factors that enhance a consistent routine. For a start there are many competing factors for your time - also is your mind and body prepared - pets - telephones - family members unexpected knocks on the door - is the room too bright - is that a smudge on the mirror - is the CD or iPod player battery charged?

Q.  Why do I have to take a deep breath and stretch my fingers and toes?
A.  When practicing the Peace at Work Technique you are asked at regular intervals to just observe - feel - take a deep breath, and occasionally stretch your fingers and toes. This helps you release tension physically.

Q.  I have been experiencing physical sensations when practicing like heat, tingling, aches and pains in different parts of my body. What is going on? What should I do?
A.  This is negative stress and tension in its various forms being drawn to the surface and releasing. Try to maintain your consistency and just keep it releasing.

Q.  Are there any practice mandatory's? Things that I should absolutely do?
A.  Yes, be consistent in establishing a foundation and maintaining a routine.

Q.  I am finding it hard to breathe properly. It feels like I am breathing only in my chest cavity. Can you please give me some tips? Is there a right way to breathe?
A.  Don't worry, you are just experiencing negative stress and tension in its various forms being drawn to the surface and releasing. Just try to maintain your consistency and keep releasing. You will (we promise) breathe naturally with consistency. The right way to breathe is to breath through a tension free body.

Q.  Sometimes when I’m practicing my head is in complete chatter. Am I fooling myself? Am I just wasting my time?
A.  In the beginning, learning to quieten your mind will highlight just how busy it is. As you persevere, the negative stress and tension is brought to the surface and released and your thoughts will become clearer and more settled.

Q.  I have been practicing the Peace at Work Technique now for a couple of months and all has been tracking well until about a week ago. I now feel completely overwhelmed by everything. What's going on?
A.  If you find that the negative stress and tension is rising too fast, try to maintain your consistency, and scale back your daily routine. For example if your routine is 30-minutes a day scale it back to 20-minutes a day or from 20-minutes to 15-minutes a day until things settle down, then resume your normal routine.

Q.  Can my kids do this?
A.  Yes, however remember a simple saying "volunteers get better results than conscripts".

Q.  I am pregnant and going through a pretty stressful time with my family. Can I do any harm to my baby if I practice this technique?
A.  The release of negative stress and tension will enhance all your relationships, especially with your baby.

Q.  My chest is so congested at the moment and I have a sinus problem. I cannot breathe properly when I am practicing and it is frustrating me. Do you have any suggestions?
A.  This is negative stress and tension in its various forms being drawn to the surface and releasing, try to maintain your consistency and keep it releasing.

Q.  I feel like I am thinking more when I practice. Is this normal? I have just started practicing.
A.  In the beginning, learning to quieten your mind will highlight just how busy it is. As you persevere the negative tension is brought to the surface and released and your thoughts will become clearer and more settled.

Q.  I'm on day 3 of the 5-minute session and I don't feel like I am getting anywhere. I am feeling scattered and annoyed. Can I move onto 10-minutes?
A.  If you are feeling scattered and annoyed this is a sure sign that stress and tension is rising - this is perfect. Stay with the 5-mintes. If you jump into 10-minutes now, more tension will rise and it will be harder to deal with. You need to follow it step-by-step, as it is set out in the Self-Healing System. You have already recognised this is important to you, please remember to be gentle and consistent and you'll get the maximum benefits.

Q.  I don't have a comfortable seat in my house. Can I sit on the floor and practice?
A.  Yes, as long as you are comfortable for the duration of your practice.

Q.  Can I sit on my comfy couch and can my legs be crossed?
A.  Yes, as long as you are comfortable for the duration of your practice.

Q.  Do you have to listen to this particular music while practicing Peace at Work?
A.  The music chosen for Peace at Work Technique is a semi-classical piece titled "Venus - The bringer of Peace" by Gustav Holst. The music in conjunction with the audio instructions stimulates the alpha brain waves which range between 7 and 14 brain cycles per second thus enhancing the relaxation state (peace) and the release of stress and tension.

Carers and Healing Questions

Q.  I am a cancer patient and am achieving inner peace using the Peace at Work Technique. I find it difficult to focus when I am sick after chemotherapy. Does it matter that I am altering my Peace at Work routine?
A.  Altering a routine is encouraged - the most important thing is to maintain a routine. This is the time when you need to be calm, clear and focused.

Q.  Can I use the Peace at work Technique while I am undergoing chemotherapy?
A.  Yes, this is the time when you need to be calm, clear and focused most.

Q.  Why is it important for carers to practice?
A.  A story best illustrates this question... recently I was visiting a cancer patient in their home. We had just finished practicing Peace at work when there was a knock on the door. It was a family member/carer coming to help out. He walked into quite a calm and healing environment, however, he was still letting off steam from the day. I noticed the rest of the family including the patient's shoulders immediately shot into the air. When things calmed down I asked him if he was aware of what we were doing? He replied, “sort of”. I explained that we were practicing letting go of stress and tension and the benefits the patient was receiving and if he would be interested in experiencing it. He said “yes”. We practiced Peace at work for 5-minutes and he calmed down quite considerably. I then asked him “how good is your imagination? ” He replied that it was good. I then asked him to imagine two small ducks swimming in a pond. “Do you get that?” I asked. Yes, they are little yellow ones” he replied. I said “great, now imagine a 350 horsepower speed boat driving between them and what do you see?” “Mmm, feathers and sh..t everywhere”, he replied. I then said “well, that's how you entered the room today”. He went very, very quiet after that. As you can see, it is very common that carers and family members who are caring can transfer their stress and anxieties onto the patient. This can prolong their illness.