Sunday, August 6, 2017

The Wellspring of Peace

From the comments you’ve left for the past few peace postings, it’s clear that the majority of us have a hard time believing world peace is possible. Most of us seem to find humans prone to the greed of wanting more—more power, more land, more adherence to a rigid ideology. Because of that, world peace seems totally elusive.

As I’ve pondered the possibility of peace, I’ve concluded that each of us has an inner shadow—the shadow perhaps of becoming at times intolerant, judgmental, hateful. Sometimes, because of the depth of this shadow we consider ourselves separate from a group called “other.”

We demand that others become like us. We seem to want to be the standard for all. For example: I do not understand those who continue to follow President Trump’s leadership. So I’ve moved into “them” and “me” thinking, and I’m noting only differences. Given this flaw within me—this seeming necessity to choose exclusivity—the possibility of world peace seems impossible.

So I want to muse today, not on world, but on inner peace. That is, let’s start with ourselves for that will lead, I believe, ultimately, to wholeness. When we are at peace, we can share it with others. Then inner peace can spread one to another so that slowly—millennia slowly—peace enters each and all of us.

I believe love is the wellspring of peace. For decades I found myself to be so flawed that I, at times, despised myself. I had no love for the Dee Ready of grade school or the teenage years or the convent years. No love for the Dee Ready who left the convent and moved numerous times, always running from the image she had of herself.

Finding within myself only darkness, I became desperate for someone or something to shed light within my spirit, my soul. I wanted to like myself, but couldn’t. I found no good to love or like. I found only traits and emotions that seemed despicable to me. I didn’t want to claim them or have them be part of my make-up.

Then, when I was in my forties, I was able, with the help of a psychiatrist, to find the deep-down goodness within me. I came to realize that goodness dwelt amidst other traits and emotions that to my idealistic self had seemed negative. In truth these unloved traits sometimes came to the fore of my actions, but never as the essence of who I was.

It was only when I accepted the wholeness of who I was that I could love myself. And it is only when we love ourselves—flawed as we are—that we can love others—flawed as they may be.

So I believe that if I am to pass peace to another, I must be at peace within myself. At peace with my own shadow. At peace with my occasional disgruntlement. At peace with my feelings of anger or pain or hurt or sorrow. All of that is me. I encompass the world of emotion.

The world—with its greed and bias and hatred—is within me. I hope it’s mostly a light shadow after all these years. But it is there. I want to acknowledge that there is no “them” and “me.” There is only all of us struggling as we journey toward wholeness.

Yet even when I do fall into the trap of intolerance, I want to say, “Dee, you’re only human. Be gracious to yourself. Love yourself. Love others. Give the gift of peace daily.” When I love myself, flawed as I am, I am able to love others, flawed as they are. Then, and only then, can I give true peace to others.

This cycle is endless and constantly it needs to be renewed by a vow to give peace that is enveloped by love. That’s why I find myself saying the following affirmation each day, especially as I watch the evening news: “The president of the United States is growing more mature, more worthy of his position, and more presidential each and every day.”

I’d like to end with a hope that all of you love yourselves as you are today. Love both lightness and darkness within you, trusting that light slowly embraces dark, welcomes it, and redeems it. Peace.





37 comments:

  1. Beautifully written & very thoughtful but I cannot agree (though I wish I could) with “The president of the United States is growing more mature, more worthy of his position, and more presidential each and every day.”!!

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    1. Dear Fishducky, I'm saying that affirmation in the hope that one day it will become true. I live in expectation!!!!! Peace.

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    2. From your mouth to God's ears!!

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    3. Dear Fishducky, and let's hope God's not sleeping!!!!!!!!!!
      Peace.

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  2. I love your positive outlook, Dee, and I know it is hard won. I too have difficulty with our president, but I am finding there are plenty of other places for me to focus my energy. I love blogging, both writing and reading others, and I find something every day that helps me to feel part of the larger whole. This post is one part of that. Sending you love and peace, Dee. :-)

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    1. Dear DJan, I so agree with you that "I find something every day" in one or more postings "that helps me feel part of the larger whole" It's a great gift to me from others and I'm grateful for it. Peace.

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  3. I don't love myself. Or even like myself. I can however love others. I do love others.
    And long for the day when we realise that we are a community. No us and them, but only us.
    Hugs.

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    1. Dear EC, I commiserate with you about not liking or loving yourself. I know that's something we need to come to on our own, so all I can say is that from my standpoint you are a wonderful human being, filled with generosity and a great love of nature that you share with all of us. I don't doubt that your goodness touches others for it has touched me. I still have the postcard you sent me from one of your adventures. Please be gracious to yourself in your thoughts. You are loved. Peace.

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  4. I like Fish Ducky's explanation. I think the president of the United States is making its presidency weaker each day, and that may not be a bad thing, reasserting the relative strengths of the three branches of government.

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    1. Dear Joanne, as you say, perhaps the three branches of government will become distinguishable. But I do want to say that affirmation for the president because he seems like such a flawed human being who is unable to see beyond himself. I want to live in hope that he can become whole. Peace.

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  5. I don't think inner peace is linear. It's all over the place.

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    1. Dear Birdie, I didn't mean to imply that inner peace, or perhaps the word "contentment" would be better, is linear. If that's what comes across than it's due to my poor writing. Thanks for pointing it out. Peace.

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  6. It is an interesting concept that has been around as long as humankind. Our brains are not all firing in the same way. Each of us has a spark and an electrical make up that is fuelled by nourishment and education. Each brain functions uniquely yet we are taught and try to put our indiviual self into a community. No two individuals ever seem to be able to totally agree in any setting because of perceptions and pre Formed thought connections.
    The idea of inner peace and love of self may be real to some yet not for others. We have much to understand about human behaviour. It seems some can lead masses to have almost blind faith in them. Others use fear and intimidation to be a group leader. And these types can be found even in youngsters.
    I am glad that you found your inner peace.

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    1. Dear Heidrun, you know the more I've thought about this posting--since posting it yesterday--is that a better word to use would be "contentment." I find that I am contented with my life. At ease with it and with myself. Ready for whatever happens next. It is, for me, a great place to be.

      And I know that you are correct in saying that different cultures and different tribes value different things. I may think that the desire for contentment is universal, but it surely may not be. And I need to be open to that. Thank you for reminding me. Peace.

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    2. I agree that conrentment would be more universal amongst humans.

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    3. What just happened in Virginia is an example of masses following blindly a cause because the leaders are able to appeal to them . It has gone on for years. And present instant media posts add fuel to the dilemma. Sadly many intelligent beings cannot move forward and be tolerant. They are fixed to an idea with passion not common good or common sense.

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    4. Dear Heidrun, it's contentment that speaks to me of peace. As to what happened in Virginia, I wish our President could see that his words often encourage those who hate and those who are racist and those who are white supremacists to act on their hatred and intolerance and prejudice. Peace.

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  7. What a heartwarming and heart opening piece, Dee. Peace.

    Just yesterday, the sermon was about opening our hearts in acceptance of others; those who do not think like we do, vote like we do, sound or look like we do, or worship like we do. It was a plea to try to understand others. It was actually a very good and provocative sermon. Off I went to the coffee and donuts and fellowship of others, with a heart of acceptance - which was immediately challenged. Sigh. An acquaintance went on, rather vociferously, about a different religion which has planted itself not far from our church and has the nerve to emit what he called loud calls and sounds and music to come to prayer. He then spoke of his own pilgrimage to the Holy City, where two other religions were doing the same loud canting and such. I think he missed the point of a holy city, but, I smiled and listened and said that it must have felt different and unsettling to him, but, what a gift that he was able to make that trip where different faiths have been able to reside and find some measure of peace. He just wasn't buying it and walked away in anger BUT I felt an inner peace, Dee, knowing I could only change myself and, if only for a brief time, I changed and will change step, but step, by step.

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    1. Dear Penny, thank you so much for sharing your story from Sunday's worship experience. As Heidrun reminded me in the comment above yours, we all look at things differently, interpret differently, hear differently. And obviously what you heard in the homily was not what your acquaintance heard. I've always thought that people hear differently because of the openness of their heart to change and possibility, but that may not be true at all. I guess what I learn from my postings on peace is that I need to speak only for myself and where I am and who I am. Then I must embrace the differences that others bring to light in their comments.

      This journey to wholeness never ceases to amaze me. Like you, I hope to change step by step by step and turn my face, like a flower to the Oneness that is my sun. Peace.

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  8. I have many insecurities, but despite them, I do like myself and probably unknowingly, love myself. That will have to do.

    Peace comes when we forgive ourselves and others. However, I can't forgive or understand cruelty, especially when it comes from someone who encourages it in others.

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    1. Dear Arleen, I, too, find it hard to forgive or understand cruelty, especially to the most vulnerable among, which includes animals.

      I find it hard to listen to President Trump often because it seems to me that he does encourage hatred in others. That is, he appeals with his words to the shadow within us. That truly worries me. Peace.

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  9. If that affirmation will make our president grow up, I am all for it and will give it a shot. It certainly can't hurt and just may help. Worth a try.

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    1. Dear Patti, to be truthful, I say that affirmation for the President but also for myself. I need to find a good way of thinking about him and when I say that affirmation I tune in to my belief that change is possible. As you say, the words "can't hurt and just may help." Let us hope!!!!! Peace.

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  10. I believe that democracy and our system of checks and balances will prevail. That people do stand up when pushed too far. They have to think about what they believe in--what they will fight for. So Trump has given the United States that gift...by pushing too far. It will work out. I have faith in people.

    I remind myself that God loves every one of us--even Hitler...Trump...Putin...bullies...etc...etc. But I am only a flawed human and don't have to. I can leave it to God and focus on loving and forgiving to the best of my ability. Peace can be carried within you even if it is not around you. :) love from Fargo!

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    1. Dear Rita, thank you for reminding me that as a people we will ultimately stand for what is right. I don't like any of those people you mention. In fact, I probably dislike them greatly. But I try to love them. By that, I mean that I try to wish and hope for them that they will grow into adults who are compassionate and caring. I think change is possible. Peace.

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  11. Humanity is far from perfect. I guess this is just another way of saying that mankind is flawed. But perfection is not the goal, it's peace. Is worldwide peace possible? IMO the majority of mankind do want peace (there are some who prefer war because it benefits the economy or they truly believe they are fighting evil). The *God is on our side* philosophy has always bothered me. I can't imagine that any God would condone the killing of innocents. When I was a child, I went with some family members to a church where the Pastor screamed at the members and told them that they were sinners! I can remember thinking then that at 8 years old, I wasn't a sinner and my God loved me! As for how we can promote peace, I think it all comes down to that song that says something about "let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me"...

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    1. Dear Rian, I had forgotten that song when I was looking for ones to use with my postings. Thank you for reminding me. It's so true, that peace begins with us--with the way we respond to life. I want peace to begin with me and I think that everyone who has commented on the several peace postings I've written are of the same mind. They want to send peace out into the world and they work at it. Peace.

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  12. A post that made me think and wonder why is it some people have going on in there head, I live my life the best way I know how, I try not to judge others and I fail at things but I believe I am a good person.

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    1. Dear Jo-Anne, I wonder if you meant to say in the first line "and wonder what it is some people have going on in their head." I find myself doing that in order to understand others. But sometimes when I do it, I become somewhat judgmental. Then I have to step back and realize I'm not the measure of the Universe. Like you, I try to live my life "the best way I know how" and I try to be "a good person." And I think that's all that is asked of us by whatever powers we believe in--simply to try. Peace.

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  13. Peace is from within, from each person. Peace from a messed up world cannot happen. Peace is not a political issue.

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    1. Dear Susan, I think it can be political when those who govern are not at peace within themselves and desire more power. Peace to you now and always.

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  14. Your post worked on my mind like a vivid memory. I have peaceful thoughts in my mind and yet I find myself getting tangled in the web of possibilities that some day or Earth will be a peaceful place to live .

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    1. Dear Munir, mostly I, too, have peaceful thoughts in my mind, but today, dealing with the alert system I have, I got truly annoyed, bordering on anger. I don't like to feel that way and my voice I think may hurt the salespeople with whom I'm speaking. It's not their fault that the equipment is faulty and yet they represent the corporation, which is the entity I truly am angry at!!!! Peace.

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  15. Those are beautiful words, Dee. I used to not love myself at all. I'd let others force their opinions on me and I started to believe them. That changed as I got older. I might not like everything about me, but I love myself and I try to spread love to others.

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    1. Dear Baiba, I am so happy for you that you--at your young age--love and appreciate yourself. That's wonderful and I'm sure you do spread love to all you meet. Peace.

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  16. Inspiring words, Dee! Loved this beautiful post!

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    1. Dear Kathy, thanks so much for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. It's somewhat philosophical and you excel in being realistically and practically and pragmatical philosophical. You've touched so many lives with your compassion and your understanding of human nature. Peace.

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