Let There Be Peace on Earth
“Let There Be Peace on Earth
And let it begin with me”.
Those are words from one of my favorite songs to sing with children.
The power of realizing that “peace” starts inside each of us
And that we each have the choice to manifest that peace in our own way.
Is there peace everywhere?
No.
I imagine, there never has been.
The power of potential is so great and when we harness it into action it is unstoppable.
It is easier to wish for “Peace on Earth” than to exercise in our own homes.
But if not in our own homes, then where?
If not in ourselves, then where?
Remember, being peaceful does not mean never being angry.
It does not mean letting people walk all over you and staying silent about their treatment.
Peacefulness (in my opinion) means doing things, thinking things, and dreaming things that are good for self and for others.
This is a tall task.
Isn’t it far easier to blow like dynamite at the person who cuts you off rather than take evasive action to keep yourself safe and just let that road rager race off ahead of you? I do the latter.
Isn’t it far easier and temporarily easier to become cynical and critical when so much of the news of the day is of death, destruction, and injustice than to take action and behave in a manner towards people, animals, and the environment, the way you would like to be treated?
My mom taught me these things. At the time she shared all this wisdom, I was in my teens and early twenties and I was sure she was wrong. She wasn’t.
And so, as the shortest day of the year, Winter Solstice draws near, I ask myself, “Where do I want to bring peace inside myself, my family, my neighborhood, my city?” Tough questions with no easy answers.
Mom’s advice would be, “Mary, you are tackling too much. Start with yourself. Where are you being harsh with yourself? Do something simple and nice for yourself and it will radiate. You’ll see”. I have nothing to lose by trying this.
I’m going to sing in the car today. I have a trip to make to bring my daughter home from college. It’s rainy and cold, but my heart is warm and when she steps into our car, I want that warmth to radiate to her. That’s my peaceful plan.
Share yours below if you’d like, and if you struggle with my concept of “Peace” you can share that too (Just be nice-don’t attack me).
As a peace (alternative dispute resolution) practitioner, my sole responsibility is to empower people to bring peace within themselves and with one another. I’ve been called a miracle worker and appreciated by many in my field. My struggle, naturally, is to obtain and maintain peace within myself. There are many days that I feel pulled 10 different ways. My mom, like her dad (my grandfather) was a straightforward, no-nonsense woman. And, whenever I had an ailment or trouble, she’d advise me to “psyche” yourself out of it. “Yes, but Mom, I just got hit in the nose with a baseball bat!” What I did not realize was my mom was telling me so much more in those years. Use your mind to create a different space for yourself. Empower yourself to create the necessary change within. My mom was such a strong and resilient human being! So, as I approach the holidays with family and friends, I will bask in the abundant love and good cheer, and, if conflict should arise, I will just psyche myself out of it! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!
My mother’s advice was “Let it go” but I think she over-used this approach. I believe in letting the mad out so it can be dealt with and then it’s over. Then I can let it go....the issue can leave me.