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.