PASSING THE PEACE (and accepting it)

I have become aware of an ache in my heart. It is for peace. I, personally, am not going through a time of great turmoil and trauma and hurt. That is not the place I am yearning for peace.

It is the peace of the earth I long for. The hatred sewn by others as well as that created in us because of our own history; the violence done throughout the world; the dishonoring of each other; the disrespect of a culture other than my own. It is all so heart wounding.

If we keep moving fast enough, if we keep being busy and disengaged from the world, can we block it out? Can we just do a tsk, tsk during the evening news? I hope not. How can we stop it?

I don’t presume to have the answer. But here are a couple of fanciful thoughts. Maybe they would help:

1-Perhaps “passing the peace” as we meet people throughout our days. No really, what would happen if instead of “hi” we spoke “peace”. Ok, some of you are just thinking that this old hippie has gone round the bend, but maybe it would affect not only others but ourselves.

2-Don’t listen to any prejudice, hatred, judgment or condemnation from others including the media.

3-Begin to read literature that sows love and peace and trust and value for others. Can we re-wash our brains to become instruments that honor and esteem one another?

Not only does humankind need this peace but the earth itself. Sometimes I think it also aches for those who are to be its stewards to sow love and peace not just on each other but on it.

This is a type of spirituality that I long for. Spirituality is the way we live out our lives. No matter where on the spectrum of believing in a transcendent mystery you are, this is a spirituality we can reach for and live.

So, enough………PEACE TO YOU.