“The practice of peace and reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions.” Thich Nhat Hahn
Right now our world’s attention is turned toward conflict that is happening not in just one place but worldwide. We can pick any country, continent, or city and find upheavals. What I would like to encourage us all to do is bring that focus into a question. The question is “what can I do?” Change does not come about by someone making a demand for all to follow. It comes from a spark within us, our connection to a higher realm than the one we are focused on as we dwell on planet Earth.
You don’t have to look very hard to find beautiful inspirational messages about peace. We have great leaders who impact us by the depth, breath and impact of their teachings and their example, always encouraging us to do the same. Thich Nhat Hahn, one of the most amazing peaceful souls that ever existed on earth, taught us find our aspirations, to go deeper in our conversations with loved ones and to actively participate in the changes we want to see happen in our world. I think about his messages, the simplicity of his teachings and the humbleness of his life as I live my own journey and walk the talk every day of seeing peace on earth. It is my desire to, as he says, “walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.”
Back to that question being asked of us all: “What can I do?” This indicates that an action is necessary, right? Well, yes it does. That action can take on many forms. Perhaps you feel called as James Twyman did to physically go to an area where there is disruption in people’s lives due to conflict. Perhaps you are called to join forces with others who want to speak out for legislative changes that affect all of our lives and bring an end to conflict. Perhaps you feel your place is to hold the energy of love and peace through minding your own vibration and keeping it uplifted. HeartMath Institute has been researching the frequency of the planet for many years. They have graphed what it looks like when the world comes together in compassion due to a catastrophic event. Each of us adds to that collective soup of energy. Each one of us is either adding to the positive direction of the frequency or we are adding to the negativity and staying focused on how hostile and horrible the world looks in our eyes. In every given moment we live, we are influencing that collective energy. Which way is the needle going with what you are putting forth?
Here are a few suggestions of what you can do. Search your heart and see if any of them resonate with you and add to the list with what inspires you:
- Turn your conversations toward positive instead of dwelling on negative events.
- Send your brain on assignment to find solutions to the problems in the world.
- Give a smile, a warm word, a hug as often as possible.
- Send a positive message to someone you have not spoken to in a while.
- Write a story about living in these times and envision the best possible outcome as the ending.
- Ask to speak at your local government meetings and share your concerns about the state of where you live. Don’t just bring problems, though, bring your thoughts on possible solutions.
- Be open to hear someone speak that may have a different opinion or belief than you.
- Instead of comparison and competition, choose to collaborate.
- Add your own here: _________________________________
In closing, I would just like to remind everyone that we make choices in every moment. What you choose is what you live with. Choose wisely. Choose those things, thoughts, words that you are comfortable living with in your life and the lives of those around you, your children’s lives and future generations. We can make this world a place that we can all cohabit in peace and harmony. It has to begin inside of each of us.
Please find your peace that is inside of you. And when you do so, do not allow anyone or anything to distract you away from that knowingness of who you are. You are pure unconditional love walking around finding your way home.
Teri Angel is a Happiness Coach, energy healer, best-selling author, spiritual teacher and mentor, and a motivational speaker. Teri is the Peace Campaign Coordinator for We, The World and the founder of a nonprofit organization, Angelspeakers Inc., which offers educational workshops and events centered around environmental awareness to include animals and nature, peace advocacy opportunities and ancient wisdom teachings. Teri’s movement “Peas For Peace” involves strengthening our awareness of the oneness of all, unifying mankind through compassion, peace, love and joy. She was named “She Who Blesses the Sacred Land” during the Peace On Earth Tour and embraces that title with loving grace.
