The Source of Peace
A community consciousness and brain health essay.
With the 4th of July celebrated in the US, I have been thinking about war and peace and how we separate ourselves from one another and how we build our communities. My contribution to the monthly poetry anthology, The Year of The Poet II from Inner Child Press focused on peace and the first three quotes in this column.
Albert Einstein said, “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” Quotes from Brainy Quotes (http://www.brainyquote.com)
And I wonder where in my life am I trying to force things that cannot be force. Where can I share or achieve more understanding?
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
And I wonder how clearly do I see the bright daybreak of peace. What truth and love am I contributing to peace and brotherhood becoming a reality?
Virginia Woolf said, “You cannot find peace by avoiding life.”
And I wondered how can I embrace life more fully. How do we create a life full of joy and peace?
Jimi Hendrix said, “When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.”
And I wonder what do I love. How can I engage with the power of love more deeply?
Thomas a Kempis said, “First keep peace with yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.”
And I wonder how to find my own peace more strongly. What is peace?
John Lennon said, “Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.”
And I wonder about how to access my dreams. How can we use our dreams to join us together?
Joseph B. Wirthlin said, “You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you.”
And I wonder where do I see the silver linings more readily than the storm. Do we see threats that are not really there?
Francis of Assisi said, “While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.”
And I wonder what is fully in my heart. Do we proclaim peace with our lips and our heart?
Mother Teresa said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
And I wonder where and with whom do I belong. Have we forgotten to build our communities and reach out to others?
Henry Miller said, “If there is to be any peace it will come through being, not having.”
And I wonder who am I and what do I have that takes too much of my attention? Who are we becoming?
And I wonder …
Originally published at http://www.innerchildmagazine.com/the-community-of-humanity.php on August 15, 2015.
