Sometimes we look for something monumental to do. We feel we do not have much of an impact as individuals. We are not privy to the kind of exposure mass media provides and we are not in a position to effect the kinds of changes we believe in.  We may join a few groups that share our commitments  and thereby heighten the possibility of helping the movement toward peace but we feel genuinely helpless in the face of circumstances beyond our control.  The work we can do in this kind of time remains critical, though we may not recognize it. Every thought we send in the direction of peace helps. Every thought we have brings consequence in action...perhaps only our own action, but that is not insignificant. Our own actions affect others...other people, other animals, and plants...our environment is affected by our thoughts and actions. We really do have power to change our world merely by our thoughts...our thoughts lead us in the direction of our future...we take a step toward peace when we watch our thoughts and when we choose to bring peace forth from them. Peace.

There is nothing wrong with disagreement. Dissention brings more sides of an issue to the fore...we learn from different points ofview. We all have our unique awareness and perspective and each represents a different lens through which we can view a situation. There comes a time when we must let others know as much as we know and there comes a time when we must grow able to recognize the strengths and weaknesses in our own perspectives. To never reach this point is to fail to develop and grow intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. We do our best, and so do others. We know more when we know we do not know it all. We grow in insight and awareness when we move to this higher level of awareness. We are blessed with the perspectives of others even if we do not agree with them. We do not need to relinquish our perspective but we may...this is the flexible attitude towards which we may grow and when dissention arises like a flame we can see the light it throws on our own awareness at the same time that we allow our perspective to shine on toward fuller understanding of the situation. We grow through dissention and we walk through it with a peaceful mind and soul when our intention is peace. Peace.

Sometimes there is no stopping a situation that has escalated into chaos. It is all too human to let emotions get the best of us. We react with anger or frustration to circumstances we simply do not agree with. It is beyond our control.

 

Learning to manage our reactions to situations beyond our control is part of maturity. Not getting caught up in the rush of emotion takes strength and willpower. Not feeding into the negativity is difficult. We have to learn to make some space in which to consider how we want to contribute to difficult circumstances. We have options and we will live with our choices much longer than the moment lasts. We decide every moment to be people of peace or hostages of our emotion. Peace is not just an effort. It is a process we work through and towards. Peace.

We so often encounter resistance to ideas which challenge the given reality...how things are. If we are to truly own our lives, our ideas and our future we must be able to speak our truth in spite of the world we inherit as children. As adults we must take responsibility to stand up for what we believe and how we would like for things to be. We take a stand in word, thought and deed in order to make more certain that the world we live in will be one in which we and others are able to safely dwell. Moving ahead regardless of what is given toward what is possible. We are not the only ones taking the risk of creating a more peaceful world. We will not be the last. Peace.

When a gale blows up on the sea there is not much a ship's captain can do but hold the ship steady as it rides the rough waters out. There is no real control in a situation like this, there is just the ongoing presence and commitment to hold one's course and keep one's ship in tact while making passage on the sea.  This is true for us in times of turmoil as well, of course. How many other times have you been through rough waters? How many times have you merely held the course and ridden the storm out, knowing that is all you could do. Just being present and holding the course makes a difference...can make all the difference. Peace is a journey across rough waters. Hold the course and stay present with the ship. Peace..

As days pass we see the same old policies in place in the political landscape. Things have not changed, it seems. Nothing seems better...and it is likely not to be better until a change in administration takes place.  That is four years away at this point, but in the meantime much good work can and should take place, and we can do our part now by connecting with groups which express and support the issues we care about...the environment, women's rights, peace and disarmament, gay rights and many others.  Use some time today to connect with those groups which allow you to express your concern for the issues which most matter to you.  As you involve yourself, you evolve the voice and presence of these groups.  You strengthen their work and contribute your own support to their work. In the process you will become more knowledgeable about the issues you support and are concerned with. Use this time to make a difference in strengthening them. Practice peace in your thinking...in your writing...in your interactions with others. There is plenty do do during this time.  Peace to you in the process. Peace.

There are always new challenges , personal, social, and national, to deal with. Peace is a process, not a noun. Once we invest in that appreciation we work with those challenges in a different way. Railing against obstacles is an energy and time consumer that takes us nowhere. Embracing new challenges as they present themselves opens us to working with what we have to bring what we want closer to reality. We may not make the headlines, the local news, or gain celebrity in the process but we will affirm ourselves as agents of peace on the leading edge of cultural change for better community, peace and justice. Give peace a chance...give yourself a chance at the process of peace. Peace.

There is so much work to be done..sure, it is discouraging after all the work and energy to have this election turn out the way it did, but now more than ever your voice and energy are necessary to present an alternative view and vision of the world. Peace is not about giving up. It is not about allowing yourself to become discouraged at setbacks, even major ones...it is about a lifelong commitment to justice and the possibility of joy for all people. Isn't that worth working for? Isn't that worth caring about?  Give Peace A Chance...as Lennon said...and not alone then...the process of peace has been there throughout human history and we are the current linkand connection with all of those before us who have worked and believed in a better way of life for all.  You are not alone in this journey and when you allow yourself to become discouraged and depressed the battle is within you...All we are saying is...Give Peace A Chance...Peace.

So many people in the U.S. have worked so hard this past year to bring about change in the government . The people who worked the hardest are now a part of our history, as is that involvement and engagement on our parts. While we may have had a setback we considered crucial in the movement toward critical change  we must respect and draw strength from our passion for a different set of priorities for the people of the world.  Peace is an ongoing daily process from which we cannot withdraw. As peaceworkers we must stay on the job and hold the vision and practice which brings us closer to it every day.  Only in the process of engaging with that process will we find peace. We are not alone and we must put our short term frustration to work for a longer term goal and hope. Practice peace in your world today. Bring peace to the wider world by living it this moment...this day. Peace.