Good Question-the world around me does not feel peaceful. Still Brown University murders not resolved and now there may be some sort of link to
the Professor kiiled in Boston. Very disturbing!
Lately,
it seems the world around me
is on fire . . .
drivers are running stop signs,
bullying for parking spaces,
shoppers shoving each other,
trying to get to the goods first,
and that is just in my town.
Someone from a nation-wide charity
called me for a monetary donation to her cause,
and I told her I am on a fixed income
and have chosen the charities I can afford to support.
The lady on the line
kept making arguments about why I should make an exception,
attempting to intimidate me . . .
I finally had to say,
“I’m sorry,
but I have to go”
and hung up the phone.
I had never done that before in my life.
And then
there’s the big, wide world,
where open assaults on peace are more aggressive
and more lethal.
What can I do to make a difference?
I am nobody,
but it doesn’t mean I do nothing.
Lines from a song come back to me
when I start to doubt my strength . . .
“If everyone lit just one little candle,
what a bright world this would be.”
So I keep a candle burning in my studio window,
hoping that its light
will bring peace
to at least one broken heart.
“So I keep a candle burning in my studio window,
hoping that its light
will bring peace
to at least one broken heart.”
beautiful Sparrow – thank you for doing that. My heart is still broken from 9 yrs ago and this is comforting to me.
By eliminating myself- become Truth . Otherwise everything is me trying to be good or as I often have done pretend to be “good “ . I see how many minds I have and all I can do now is to truly surrender them to the universe because I can’t hide my 💩 – garbage 🗑️.
I can be an ally to those that are being targeted for being different. I can avoid consuming the fear and propaganda (or fear porn, as someone said yesterday. It’s a perfect description) that’s being spewed out for profit and power. And I can attempt to be peaceful in my thoughts and actions.
I already posted and answered today’s question but I will add this link to Richard Rohr’s daily meditation because it addresses today’s question and reminds me the power and need for “reverence” as does Joseph’s answer to today’s question. https://cac.org/daily-meditations/reverence-for-reality/
”Reverence is slow and intentional. It allows awe to fill your lungs and bring tears to your eyes, and it floods your bloodstream with extra oxygen and energy. Wandering with reverence means you’re looking at the world with softened eyes that no longer see others as objects of beauty or utility. Reverence allows you to behold the trees and waters and tiny ants as separate beings….”
I feel so reverent at times
that I can barely lift myself off of my knees,
dear Carol Ann.
Even with all of my faults
I am a reverent person. ♥
I can contribute to peace in the world around me by being peace. As others here have said “it starts with me”.
I intend to be peace today. I intend to be kind to All. I will offer silent blessings to All who cross my path. 🙏🏻
🕊️♥️
P.S. Thank you to everyone who responded to my post yesterday. Your kind, gentle, thoughtful, supportive words lifted my spirits.
Blessings…..🙏🏻🩷
When I read this question on gratefulness.org, I related to a quote from Etty Hillesum:
“Ultimately, we have just one moral duty: to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it towards others. And the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will also be in our troubled world.”
My religious upbringing was filled with so many rules and regulations. I was taught that grace had to be earned, that God would not love me if I was not perfect, and on and on. Anxiety was and is my constant companion. I was so afraid of failure that I missed out on so many opportunities to be fully alive. So now, in the winter of my life, when many of my talents are limited by physical challenges and limitations, I am blessed with the realization that being kind to both my self and others is always a choice that can never be taken away or lost. We are all called “to be the peace we seek, the love we crave, the light in the darkness that can shine even when the reaper rides.”
I have finally learned and accepted that: Life is process not product. We are each the vulnerability of God called to be willing instruments of evolutionary change. It reminds me to take the “r” out of the word revolution and pray for the evolution of our species. This is the great fullness of my life: to be the peace I seek and be willing to share it moment to moment.
I imagine contributing to the peace in the world around me in concentric circles expanding outwards like ripples. It begins inside me where I contribute to the peace inside me by examining and questioning my beliefs and thoughts – are they true? Humble? Hopeful ? Kind to self ? Grateful? Heloful?Factual or emotional based? Etc…I dont do this as automatically as I would like but I heard once that I am only responsible for my second thought.
The next circle examines thoughts and beliefs about others – are they thoughtful? Honest? Inspiring? Kind? Grateful? Judgemental? Etc…
I must do the same examination of any planned action. ( done with loved ones and strangers)this again is done imperfectly because I have been known to act first and examine later. But I do try to allow others their freedom to be who they are and create boundaries for my serenity. I give others the benefit of doubt and freedom to make mistakes. I forgive easily. Love with loyalty. I see the shared consciousness and desirefor a pain free existence (human and beast) and the fragility of life. I often see behind the armor others wear and the pain behind their defenses. This helps soften my responses and take things less personally.
I contribute to peace in the world around me in my purposely small bubble because that is as much as I am able however I know that this ripples outward and may have a further reaching effect than I am aware. I also know there are those who participate on a wider world scale and I am awed and grateful for them.
Today is a very good day!
Heather, As I read your post, I thought yes, it is important that we function mentally and physically in a circular motion–always welcoming the other. Our country’s mentality currently seems intent on building ladders not bridges. Sigh
Years ago, one of the elder surf dads in my community (also a preacher) said to me that we can’t take care of anyone else if we don’t take care of ourselves first. He said it about my ex, but it really stuck with me and helped me gain a new perspective as I wasn’t taking care of myself either at that time. Oh, the gems that come to us along the path!
I’ll ensure that I watch out for what I’m going to say to others. Will my words help to build or destroy one’s relationships? May everyone have a wonderful day filled with peace and love. ♥
My Ngoc, ultimately, it all comes down to how we say things, but watching what we say becomes more important than ever in a dangerous society. We’re still fortunate at least for now to be able to enjoy living in a small world making effort not feel like effort on that front.
Well said, Michele. I’ve always believed that how we treat ourselves reflects the way we treat others. Therefore, if we can’t love ourselves, there’s no way we can love anyone else.
I am reminded of the old Unity chestnut, “Let there be Peace on Earth” https://www.unity.org/en/article/peace-meant-be. Peace begins with my mind and radiates outward to my actions. As both the Buddha and Swami Rama have said, you have to watch the mind like it’s a snake. I am aware of the presence of disharmony in traffic, when dealing with all the care involved with my parents, and when I feel unsettled at work. When the disharmony arises, I have to talk to it. Thich Nhat Hahn says to hold these emotions like a disquieted child. I am working on letting go of guilt and shame—they are unproductive. I am allowing what is to rise up and move on. When the fluctuations subside peace is the natural state. Being here with you, doing my practice, exercising allow the funk to move more freely and allow peace to return. May you have a peaceful day.
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Good Question-the world around me does not feel peaceful. Still Brown University murders not resolved and now there may be some sort of link to
the Professor kiiled in Boston. Very disturbing!
Lately,
it seems the world around me
is on fire . . .
drivers are running stop signs,
bullying for parking spaces,
shoppers shoving each other,
trying to get to the goods first,
and that is just in my town.
Someone from a nation-wide charity
called me for a monetary donation to her cause,
and I told her I am on a fixed income
and have chosen the charities I can afford to support.
The lady on the line
kept making arguments about why I should make an exception,
attempting to intimidate me . . .
I finally had to say,
“I’m sorry,
but I have to go”
and hung up the phone.
I had never done that before in my life.
And then
there’s the big, wide world,
where open assaults on peace are more aggressive
and more lethal.
What can I do to make a difference?
I am nobody,
but it doesn’t mean I do nothing.
Lines from a song come back to me
when I start to doubt my strength . . .
“If everyone lit just one little candle,
what a bright world this would be.”
So I keep a candle burning in my studio window,
hoping that its light
will bring peace
to at least one broken heart.
“So I keep a candle burning in my studio window,
hoping that its light
will bring peace
to at least one broken heart.”
beautiful Sparrow – thank you for doing that. My heart is still broken from 9 yrs ago and this is comforting to me.
It comforts me to know this,
dear Michele . . .
may your heart heal
with love . . . ♥
By eliminating myself- become Truth . Otherwise everything is me trying to be good or as I often have done pretend to be “good “ . I see how many minds I have and all I can do now is to truly surrender them to the universe because I can’t hide my 💩 – garbage 🗑️.
Antoinette, I’m all familiar with the sun, the moon, and the truth. Ultimately, we are who we are.
I can be an ally to those that are being targeted for being different. I can avoid consuming the fear and propaganda (or fear porn, as someone said yesterday. It’s a perfect description) that’s being spewed out for profit and power. And I can attempt to be peaceful in my thoughts and actions.
I already posted and answered today’s question but I will add this link to Richard Rohr’s daily meditation because it addresses today’s question and reminds me the power and need for “reverence” as does Joseph’s answer to today’s question.
https://cac.org/daily-meditations/reverence-for-reality/
”Reverence is slow and intentional. It allows awe to fill your lungs and bring tears to your eyes, and it floods your bloodstream with extra oxygen and energy. Wandering with reverence means you’re looking at the world with softened eyes that no longer see others as objects of beauty or utility. Reverence allows you to behold the trees and waters and tiny ants as separate beings….”
I feel so reverent at times
that I can barely lift myself off of my knees,
dear Carol Ann.
Even with all of my faults
I am a reverent person. ♥
I can contribute to peace in the world around me by being peace. As others here have said “it starts with me”.
I intend to be peace today. I intend to be kind to All. I will offer silent blessings to All who cross my path. 🙏🏻
🕊️♥️
P.S. Thank you to everyone who responded to my post yesterday. Your kind, gentle, thoughtful, supportive words lifted my spirits.
Blessings…..🙏🏻🩷
Our words
were meant to lift your spirits,
dear PKR,
and they were all true.
I hope you are feeling better. ♥
Bless you, dear Sparrow!
When I read this question on gratefulness.org, I related to a quote from Etty Hillesum:
“Ultimately, we have just one moral duty: to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it towards others. And the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will also be in our troubled world.”
My religious upbringing was filled with so many rules and regulations. I was taught that grace had to be earned, that God would not love me if I was not perfect, and on and on. Anxiety was and is my constant companion. I was so afraid of failure that I missed out on so many opportunities to be fully alive. So now, in the winter of my life, when many of my talents are limited by physical challenges and limitations, I am blessed with the realization that being kind to both my self and others is always a choice that can never be taken away or lost. We are all called “to be the peace we seek, the love we crave, the light in the darkness that can shine even when the reaper rides.”
I have finally learned and accepted that: Life is process not product. We are each the vulnerability of God called to be willing instruments of evolutionary change. It reminds me to take the “r” out of the word revolution and pray for the evolution of our species. This is the great fullness of my life: to be the peace I seek and be willing to share it moment to moment.
It is indeed,
dear Carol Ann . . .
I feel it as well,
and I believe it is worth all the ‘negatives’
of growing old.
Namaste. ♥
Sparrow, I have to admit that there are days when I struggle with accepting this growing old but I hear you and agree.
I too,
have days like that,
dear Carol Ann . . . 🙂
“you catch more flies with sugar than with vinegar.”
A long ago saying in our family.
Yes, YRAM…we can always choose to be kind.
I imagine contributing to the peace in the world around me in concentric circles expanding outwards like ripples. It begins inside me where I contribute to the peace inside me by examining and questioning my beliefs and thoughts – are they true? Humble? Hopeful ? Kind to self ? Grateful? Heloful?Factual or emotional based? Etc…I dont do this as automatically as I would like but I heard once that I am only responsible for my second thought.
The next circle examines thoughts and beliefs about others – are they thoughtful? Honest? Inspiring? Kind? Grateful? Judgemental? Etc…
I must do the same examination of any planned action. ( done with loved ones and strangers)this again is done imperfectly because I have been known to act first and examine later. But I do try to allow others their freedom to be who they are and create boundaries for my serenity. I give others the benefit of doubt and freedom to make mistakes. I forgive easily. Love with loyalty. I see the shared consciousness and desirefor a pain free existence (human and beast) and the fragility of life. I often see behind the armor others wear and the pain behind their defenses. This helps soften my responses and take things less personally.
I contribute to peace in the world around me in my purposely small bubble because that is as much as I am able however I know that this ripples outward and may have a further reaching effect than I am aware. I also know there are those who participate on a wider world scale and I am awed and grateful for them.
Today is a very good day!
This is such a beautiful and thoughtful reflection,
dear Heather . . .
would that we all
face each day with these intentions before us. ♥
Heather, As I read your post, I thought yes, it is important that we function mentally and physically in a circular motion–always welcoming the other. Our country’s mentality currently seems intent on building ladders not bridges. Sigh
By working on the peace within me. We cannot contribute what we do not have ☮️🕊️
I love this. “We can not contribute what we dont have.” This is an important concept to keep in the heart to understand interactions of others.
Years ago, one of the elder surf dads in my community (also a preacher) said to me that we can’t take care of anyone else if we don’t take care of ourselves first. He said it about my ex, but it really stuck with me and helped me gain a new perspective as I wasn’t taking care of myself either at that time. Oh, the gems that come to us along the path!
Kinda like putting on your oxygen mask on yourself before assisting others.
Totally agree, Sunnypatti. One cannot pour from an empty cup.
I’ll ensure that I watch out for what I’m going to say to others. Will my words help to build or destroy one’s relationships? May everyone have a wonderful day filled with peace and love. ♥
My Ngoc, ultimately, it all comes down to how we say things, but watching what we say becomes more important than ever in a dangerous society. We’re still fortunate at least for now to be able to enjoy living in a small world making effort not feel like effort on that front.
Be inclusive. With a smile, a kind gesture, eye contact, pay it forward in some way when I see an opportunity. ♥️
Amen
We all have to love ourselves first – it starts with oneself. Prayers, meditations…
Wishing peace to all in this World. ☮
https://nationaltoday.com/bake-cookies-day/ – I saw this and thought of Carol, Barb, many of you who enjoy baking.
Well said, Michele. I’ve always believed that how we treat ourselves reflects the way we treat others. Therefore, if we can’t love ourselves, there’s no way we can love anyone else.
Michele, I’m smiling! I was thinking about trying a new sugar cookie recipe today.
and I know that your lovely young neighbor will be getting some of your baked goodies 🙂
Michele, YES SHE WILL!
I am reminded of the old Unity chestnut, “Let there be Peace on Earth” https://www.unity.org/en/article/peace-meant-be. Peace begins with my mind and radiates outward to my actions. As both the Buddha and Swami Rama have said, you have to watch the mind like it’s a snake. I am aware of the presence of disharmony in traffic, when dealing with all the care involved with my parents, and when I feel unsettled at work. When the disharmony arises, I have to talk to it. Thich Nhat Hahn says to hold these emotions like a disquieted child. I am working on letting go of guilt and shame—they are unproductive. I am allowing what is to rise up and move on. When the fluctuations subside peace is the natural state. Being here with you, doing my practice, exercising allow the funk to move more freely and allow peace to return. May you have a peaceful day.
Look into the eyes, be they human or beast, and see the shared consciousness of the universe that all share with all. Peace & Love.
♥♥♥
Thank you Joseph! Could we make this into a huge billboard with lights ? Let’s put it all over the place! 🙌
Thank you, dear Joseph.