You want peace. I want peace. We all want peace.
So, how do you achieve a sustainable peace within yourself, your family and work places, your communities and world? There have been plenty of individuals and communities around the world who have modeled a committed and effective way to live this peace. For example, the Quakers focus upon peaceful reconciliation and nonviolent confrontation of evil as central tenants of their practice.
Mahatma Ghandi reminded us that “There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.”
And he modeled this with his every moment. Uniting a divided country, earning the title “Great Soul” (Mahatma), and blessing the man who shot him even as he collapsed. He inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. whose courageous modeling of peace and nonviolent protest changed our country.
Jesus was a peaceful presence and reminded us that “Blessed are the peace makers for they shall inherit the earth.”
At this time in history, the Earth and all her inhabitants are in need of peace makers. I’m taking the first couple weeks in January to drop within during an extended silent retreat. Quieting the noise of my inner and outer world. Seeking to soothe my nervous system, slow my pace, and hear the voice of my Soul.
I imagine my Soul will have a thing or two to teach me about “peace is the way.”
Meditation and contemplative practices have long been promoted by all wisdom traditions as a way into the peace that surpasses everything.
That peace that is back behind all things and all frenetic movement. Just waiting to reveal its very nature as your own. Meditation is a strong practice for many religions, yogis, and now the scientific community with its acceptance of mind-body practices and mindfulness techniques.
Research has shown that groups of experienced meditators can lower crime rates, reduce ER visits and psychiatric crises, decrease accidental deaths, and decrease complaints against police.
There are many studies of large groups of experienced TM meditators creating statistically significant effects (beyond chance) like this. My favorite is the Washington DC project where they found violent crime reduced by 23%. Here’s an article published by the World Peace Group that may inspire you.
I’d invite you to join the annual World Peace Meditation on Friday, December 31st at 7am, EST.
This tradition was started many years ago by John Randolph Price who invited people around the globe to meditate on peace for one hour – synced with noon, Greenwich Mean Time. I’ve been participating for years and always enjoy the personal and communal experience of this deeply peaceful intention.
The Center for Conscious Living in Moorestown, NJ is hosting a ZOOM World Peace Meditation.
Sign in, mute your microphone, and drop within to add your beautiful energy and intent to this world so in need of peace.
I’ll be with you.
Peace be with you and with all. No exceptions.
Your brain likes to meditate. Silent contemplation, or simply closing your eyes and breathing, activates neural pathways that support calm. These pathways underlie beneficial traits such as feeling present, grateful, and steady. With meditation you can deliberately stimulate that circuitry and bring such experience into awareness. Activating calm, steadfastness, and contentment within your body actually converts those experiences into lasting change in neural structure and function. Explore psychologist Rick Hanson’s books Neurodharma and Buddha’s Brain to understand neuroplasticity and the benefits of meditation.
Learn the one essential skill that allows you to face any challenge with confidence, sturdiness, and inner calm.
More than a technique. It’s a game changer.
As I climbed the hills in the Sacred Valley, every step was a prayer of gratitude. Pausing often to catch my breath in the high altitude, I drank in the beauty of the mountains, valleys, small towns, and roaming llamas.
It was a beautiful May day at Bryn Mawr College. I was looking forward to partaking in the annual May Day celebration at this college so infused with Welsh traditions.
Here’s a letter from my kid. She’s my favorite Difference Maker, but you’re also on that list. I hope you enjoy and participate if this calls to you.
Aspirational Dreaming. It’s a thing. Consider how many times you are presented with someone who does something truly amazing or simply appealing.
The New Year is upon you. Right on the tail of your full belly, busy schedule, and (hopefully) positive feelings about your world.
It’s dark and getting colder in much of the world. Inviting you to slow down, light your candles, warm your hands by the fire, and enjoy your time indoors.
