The Art of Peace

What's on my mind this week . . .

“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” ~~Mother Teresa

Regardless of country or political belief system, those who fight for peace are often overshadowed by those who choose war. I feel the weight of these times - it seems like my global human family is on the brink. Of what? That I cannot know. Last week misinformation was on my mind. This week there is an abundance of misinformation unspooling as I write.

At times like this I ask myself if I can stay positive. I wonder if I can stay hopeful. It's easy to let fearful thoughts become dominant. Worry becomes a habitual pattern of the mind. But patterns, once seen and acknowledged begin to lose their power. I do know that peace is an inside job when I have no control of what is happening outside. I do believe that, but it doesn’t change the fact that these are precarious times for my community and the entire global one.

"The interdependency of humankind, the relevance of relationship, the sacredness of creation is ancient, ancient wisdom." ~~ Rebecca Adamson, founder First Nations Development Institute

Echoes from the long-ago past tell the truth of ancient wisdom. By remembering the interconnectedness of all, I find how I can help. I practice active non-attachment. Non-attachment is about setting myself free from holding on to that which causes me suffering - such as worry about a global conflict I cannot influence. And even worry about whether others - family, friends, those in the military service - are safe and will stay safe.

I do what I can. I visualize and send healing light and love to those areas of the world experiencing suffering. By being mindful that all is energy, I believe that my contribution is meaningful, for me and for those who I hold in my mind and heart. It may not seem like much, but stepping into the oneness that connects us all, gives me that experience of belonging to all. And releases that pesky pattern of worry.

What I call non-attachment is the principle of detachment in Buddhism and the same spiritual principle is found in all the major and minor world religions. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do. It takes effort and self-awareness. It’s not easy to change my deeply ingrained habits. It’s not easy to change my emotional responses. But it is a mistake to think that detachment means not caring. It is about being mindful of my thoughts and habitual patterns of emotional response. As I do that I can respond with compassion, inner peace, integrity and even grace. And I can send that energy out into the world.

I invite you this week to embrace finding meaning in peace, however you can. Send love and light to all areas needing that love and light right now. So many of you may have family or friends in the impacted areas so know my prayers are with you that those you love may come through this time safely.

And prayers for the soldiers stationed throughout the Mideast that they may be safe.

With love,

Cathleen