It is not enough to win a war; it is more important to organize the peace. -Aristotle
That’s an interesting concept.
How do we organize the peace?
Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process; gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures. -John F. Kennedy
Why do we not seem to be succeeding?
It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace. -Andre Gide
How do we meet this challenge?
While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart. -Francis of Assisi
How do we have peace more fully in our hearts?
Good question. We need awareness, patience and kindness.
Start by being kind to yourself. All too often, we’re too hard on ourselves. Learn to be gentle in your thoughts. When we’re gentle in our thoughts we can be more gentle in our actions, including toward ourselves.
Slow down.
For many of us, our worlds are spinning too quickly with too much information and too many demands. Slow down every once in a while. Even if it’s only for a minute or two; slow down and pay attention to the difference.
Relax.
Tension, stress and anxiety hold too many of us captive. Train yourself to relax physically, flex and release your muscles; relax your body and your mind will follow. If all else fails, have a cup of tea.
Breathe.
Just breathe. Purposefully. Breathe deeply and slowly. Now a little more deeply and a little more slowly. Repeat.
Hold all the beauty of the world.
Being at peace with ourselves opens our eyes and minds to beauty. All the beauty of the world is there for us; when we are peaceful it is ours to hold.
I love what you’ve done here. It’s a wonderful dialogue with history.
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Thanks so much, Rob. I hoped history had some answers…I’m very glad you enjoyed it. Thanks again 🙂
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This is a terrific post. Now… if we can get the whole world to read it and put into practice…
Thanks for sharing this with us…
Michael
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Michael, thank you. I truly appreciate your kind words and support.
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Hey danica! I am astonished by this post 🙂
One of the best ever 🙂
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Hi Enrico! I’m delighted and humbled and can’t thank you enough :).
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Good fodder … the conflict is between the peace within self vs, the peace within humankind.
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Hi Frank, It leads to an interesting question, doesn’t it: can we have one without the other?
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Yes and no … one can be of peace with themselves in the presence of various aspects of chaos/inhumanity … but humankind cannot have it without all the individuals at peace. … My point is simply to point out two different aspects of peace.
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These two different aspects of peace is an important point. Thanks, as always, Frank 🙂
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