Peace and Maturity

In order for the world to become peaceful, people must become more peaceful. Among mature people war would not be a problem - it would be impossible. In their immaturity people want, at the same time, peace and the things which make war. However, people can mature just as children grow up. Yes, our institutions and our leaders reflect our immaturity, but as we mature we will elect better leaders and set up better institutions. It always comes back to the thing so many of us wish to avoid: working to improve ourselves. - Peace Pilgrim -

Here is a link to the Peace Pilgrim website.

Life is this simple:

We are living in a transparent world,
and God shines through in every moment.
This is not just a fable or a nice story;
it is living truth.
If we remember God, abandon ourselves to God,
and forget ourselves,
we may see this truth:
God manifests everywhere, in everything.
We cannot be without God.
It's impossible.
It's simply impossible.
- Thomas Merton -

However, whatever or whomever you call/see God, I believe that what is written above is true. We are all one with the universe, with God. You are my brothers and sisters. We are all creating this world and everything in it together. Be kind to one another.

Surrender

I've learned to surrender in the past few years.

Fearlessly communicating means different things to people. I find that I am willing to fearlessly communicate my wants, needs and desires... but choose to not give life, voice or light to the garbage and fear that can stream through my consciousness. I've learned to just, let it go. Some see this as me being unwilling to share intimately. They ask, "How did your soul get to that choice?" My soul didn't "get there", it waits patiently for me to clear my mind of the fears, judgments and history that prevented me from seeing clearly, and acknowledging my truth.

So much to learn. So simple if you can just let go. Surrender. I'm saying yes more often in life. I'm giving it up to the universe I share with you and every other soul. We are each all of it. What would happen if we just let people in, trusting that the universe had sent them to teach us what we need to learn next?

Choose

We need to change our behavior.

There are two basic methods to effect this change.

Method one is quite popular: (1) We quiet our minds and create empowering beliefs, practice positive self-talk, sharpen our focus, and affirm our power in order to free our emotions and visualize positive outcomes to develop confidence and generate the courage to find the determination to make the commitment to feel sufficiently motivated to do what we need to do.

Method two reflects the warriors way: (2) We just do it.

In a more ideal world populated by saints, everyone would immediately opt for the second method. But in the real world, few people will "just quit" an addictive substance, or "simply exercise more and eat less" to lose weight. Many of us need a period of time and a step-by-step process to adapt to a new way of living. Group support, appropriate programs, and therapeutic processes can serve as transitions to finally "just doing it." the caterpillar doesn't become a butterfly overnight. Some transformations take a little time.

So let's be gentle with ourselves as we turn knowing into doing, and as we learn to use our emotions (instead of the other way around). As Mahatma Gandhi said, "As heat conserved becomes energy, our anger can become a power which can move the world.

From Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman

I'm sure Gandhi was right, and I believe that anger is a tool that hides something about myself that I need to look at, and take responsibility for so that my soul can shine forth. While anger may serve as a catalyst to wake us up, I don't believe that there is a straight line from anger to positive action. I do agree with the underlying theme, we all, always, have the power to choose, now.

Decision

Alone and quiet

Adrift in dreams

Find the courage

To act 

No logic or sense

Following the dream

Others will worry

Locked in rationality

Responsibility screams

Heart responds

Go now take flight

Follow me

Soul commands

Head resistant

Courage wins

Feet respond

Future there

No guarantee

Love demands

Honor me

Decision made

Others quake

Mind is lost

Soul afire

Fear arises

Ego's ally

Breath. breath

Heart calms

Stepping to

Future lightly

Mind at peace

Heart full

Truth Hurts

Pain real

Cause benign

Violent choice

Soul splintered

Cell silent

Inbox bereft

Choice owned

Left behind

Heart aches

Head pounds

Tummy tight

Tears flow

Truth hurts

Goodbye

Such a simple word. Almost ubiquitous in use. So precious, when you know what it means to never have the chance to say it to one you love.

My father died in an accident when I was young. No chance to say goodbye. I learned to say goodbye to friends and family with intent, with meaning. To never again regret not having taken the chance to acknowledge our parting and to tell them they are loved.

My grandmother died a year ago at the age of 95. My goodbyes to her for a few years prior, had been earnest, compelled by a feeling that she would be leaving soon.

The finality of a goodbye is temporal. Readily broken with a sweet Hello.