Reflections

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  1. J
    Joao Cardoso

    This is a tough question because it requires us to focus on ourselves and kinda isolate everything else that is happening around us (that is, other people’s actions and reactions towards us and our actions). I am navigating really difficult moments with regard to that. I share my apartment with another person that I got to know earlier this year (I had no saying really about them). I tried to be as kind and welcoming as possible when they moved, and tried to set up boundaries that I feel are important when sharing common spaces. But it really pisses me off when someone is disrespectful and, in this case, is doing that on purpose. I tried my best to be as peaceful and understanding as possible. But it has been a challenge.

    8 months ago
  2. Robin Ann

    I am struggling tonight with Peace. All I can do is show kindness. My supervisor for many years died on Sunday from cancer at age 59. Started as breast cancer 2020 but came back in another area this year. She has one son age 35 and grandchildren 6 & 3. Just extremely sad. I know it will be waves of grieving and we did have counseling support today in which I am grateful. Pushed myself to do a craft event at the local library for distraction but it really didn’t help that much. It is a process and it takes time. Praying for peace also in the world around us since so much conflict continues. Amen

    8 months ago
    1. Yram

      Surrounding you with peace and gentleness. My sympathy!

      8 months ago
    2. Michele

      My deepest condolences on the loss of your supervisor. My thoughts are with you and your work family.

      8 months ago
    3. Pilgrim

      I am deeply sorry for your loss, Robin Ann. Holding you in prayer.

      8 months ago
  3. Diane

    Once again I had trouble accessing.. Then I remembered what Anne Lamott has said “Almost anything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes” (“Including you” she adds). It took me awhile, but I finally figured it out…restarted my laptop and it worked!
    Maybe with all the stress I’ve been experiencing lately, I was meant to bring to mind her quote and my laptop kindly brought it to me!

    Stress from health issues as my husband and I continue to age and figure out how to navigate our new normal. Through all the recent challenges I have made every effort to keep a little pocket of peace in my heart. And I truly believe that if I am a peaceful spirit that this is my contribution to the peace in my little corner of the world. For me this means staying plugged in to the Divine Light that is within me and conscious awareness of that Light that shines in every sentient being that crosses my path.
    Blessings to you all this evening and a special greeting to my dear friend Pilgrim whom I “meet” here each Tuesday. Thank you everyone for your authentic and heartfelt and wise reflections…I read them each and every morning during my prayer and meditation time.
    Om Shanti…peace, peace. 🙏

    9 months ago
    1. Yram

      Thank you for voicing your stress. It helped me as my husband faces some serious health issues.

      8 months ago
    2. Pilgrim

      Dear Diane, I am grateful that I checked back this evening at just the right time! I have my share of computer issues or confusions, so I can relate. I couldn’t help but think of that little song “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine ….” when reading your post. It has been a busy day here, as my son-in-law was able to take a little break from work to come by and figure out why the ceiling in the laundry room was leaking (pouring!). Those unexpected things certainly derail the day. Anyway, I’m grateful to have had the issue settled, and begin putting things back in order.
      I wish you well, my friend. May you have a peaceful evening.

      9 months ago
      1. Diane

        One of the blessings of living near our children….so glad your SIL was able to come to the rescue!
        And a blessing to see you here my friend. 🥰

        8 months ago
  4. pkr

    I can contribute to peace in the world around me by being peace. I am peace. That is the ripple I want to be, peace….and love, kindness, good cheer, grateful.✨

    9 months ago
  5. a
    asterion

    I think just being as kind, open, and understanding as I can be is a huge help. There can never be enough kindness in the world today, and I try my best to contribute my share.

    9 months ago
  6. Charlie T

    This is a beautiful question and I
    think it’s so important and worth
    re visiting every day.
    I will try to stay out of my reptilian
    brain. The part of me that is tuned to
    Judging and fearing others.
    The part of me that is in survival mode.
    And I will attempt to access my ability
    to have compassion and see all of us
    as connected. Reaching out to offer help.
    Looking people in the eyes, even if that
    person believes in a very different
    reality or is living in a way that disturbs me.

    Questioner: “How should we treat others?”
    Ramana Maharshi: “There are no others.”
    Ramana maharshi

    9 months ago
    1. P
      Peter_B

      This is so helpful, Charlie. I’ve been spending too much time thinking about Thanksgiving dinner next week with a difficult relative. Always confrontational, opinionated, with extreme political views. Reading your thoughts reframes everything for me.

      9 months ago
  7. sunnypatti

    By doing the work to maintain my inner peace, as my own energy effects what happens in the world around me.

    9 months ago
    1. Diane

      I so believe this Sunnypatti…thank you for your affirmation.

      9 months ago
  8. Yram

    Yesterday, I was gravely offended by an action. I had to really try to turn that response around. I truly believe what I put into the world effects it. That was a real eye opener for me. I will be more conscious of acknowledging what needs to be, but then send it light and peace.

    9 months ago
  9. Ngoc Nguyen

    For me, something I am working on to contribute peace to my small world is to make sure people feel comfortable, friendly, and compassionate when they are alongside me. Honestly, at the age of twenty-eight, I am still learning to be a good listener rather than a good speaker. As I read somewhere that quoted: “When you listen, listen with your ears and heart. Don’t just stay there and wait until your turn to speak.” To me, being a good listener will bring more people to me with positivity. Due to that, peace is growing and multiplying in my small world.
    Peace to you, all Grateful Living friends!

    9 months ago
  10. A
    ActiveD5

    For me, I will still stick to my moral values, still continue to be open minded, but give grace to those that I don’t necessarily agree with. And I will pray!

    9 months ago
  11. Nannette

    I have to be at peace within myself in order to contribute to peace around me. I try not to add any turmoil to the world around me…..but sometimes in this political climate it is hard…but I do try.

    9 months ago
    1. Diane

      It is hard sometimes but I’m with you Nannette….I do try! Lately I’ve gone on what I’ve called a “news-fast”. For the past couple of months I have not watched any news programs. Not to bury my head in the sand, but as a highly sensitive person who weeps over the turmoil and suffering, I needed to take a break for my own peace, all the while praying fervently for peace in this world.

      9 months ago
  12. Mary Mantei

    Kindness to all; keeping positive energy flowing between myself and others whom I know have different viewpoints, particularly in my family, without compromising my own viewpoints and actions.

    9 months ago
  13. Michele

    Pray, meditate, light candles, self love.

    9 months ago
  14. Barb C

    I can contribute to peace by being genuinely curious and willing to listen to others to find common ground in personal interactions. I can contribute to peace in the world by asking our elected officials not to support war when there are other means of settling questions. I will say, though, that I would not place peacefulness above commitment to the right of all human beings to live in dignity and to have the basics of life. I’ve been involved in peaceful protest so it is possible to stand up for what is right and not give up on peace entirely, but I doubt that the people whose beliefs and actions I was protesting felt very peaceful about it.

    9 months ago
  15. Laura

    To be at peace with myself and my circumstances.

    9 months ago
    1. Diane

      I believe that is no small contribution Laura…and what I strive for myself.

      9 months ago

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