The thing about peace is that you can't get it by fighting. You can get silence and capitulation by fighting, but that's run by fear not peace. And fear that hangs around long enough turns in anger, which turns into rage. Those are not recipes for peace. Peace requires a peaceful heart. Peace comes from … Continue reading Peace
Tag: peace
Ease Up
Ease up on yourself. You don't have to go after life so hard. Ultimately, you want peace and liberty. It's what everyone wants. The only way to get peace in your life is if you start by being peaceful yourself. Ease up. It's your life, and you are responsible for how you're treated... especially by … Continue reading Ease Up
Peace
We're all here for a reason, and for a responsibility to the whole, simply because we're here. We all have a part to play in bringing peace to the whole world. Peace begins within. We must find peace within ourselves, in order to bring it to the rest of the world. Imagine how peaceful the … Continue reading Peace
Peace
We are all connected. So, whatever is going on within you has an affect on everyone else on the planet. That's part of the whole being connected thing. And so, if you aren't feeling peaceful in your own life, there's no chance for peace in the world. It all starts with you. And me. And … Continue reading Peace
Vices
While there is a huge sliding scale for vices, having some is still a part of being human. It becomes a problem if and when they take over and get confused for someone's personality. Now, we might get saddled with vices, but we're also blessed with virtues. Whichever you choose to develop has a huge … Continue reading Vices
Practice Mindfulness
I just heard about the passing last weekend, of one of my teachers from afar, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. He was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, peace activist, poet, and author of several incredible books on the practice and importance of mindfulness. I've read several of his works, and have always grabbed any book by him … Continue reading Practice Mindfulness
Zen
The idea of having perfect peace, or achieving a state of zen seems like such a lofty goal. Actually, achieving zen is really just focusing on awareness of the present moment, and only the present moment. Then you go from there. Moment by moment, stay in the awareness of the present moment and what you … Continue reading Zen
Leave
It took me a long time to learn this lesson, but if you find yourself in a hostile or toxic situation, simply leave. There is no need to fight in such a circumstance, because fighting only increases the hostility. Your peace of mind is worth so much more than that. Leave the toxic situation. Be … Continue reading Leave
Unity
Ultimately I believe we need to start thinking in terms or unity as a human race, if we're ever going to have a chance for survival amidst all of the ongoing climate, culture and population changes. Underneath all of our differences, we are all humans, just the same, who all love, laugh and cry in … Continue reading Unity
Cannot Judge
We've been told that we should not judge. But when we acknowledge the fact that we simply never know the whole story about anything, then it's evident that we actually cannot judge. We just don't have enough information or evidence to be able to properly judge another person. There is always more to the story … Continue reading Cannot Judge
Peace
We all want peace in the world. We want the freedom that comes from everyone getting along. In order for the outer world to have peace, we each need to cultivate peace within our own heart and mind. Peace begins within each of us. Our thoughts are more powerful than we realize. If we harbor … Continue reading Peace
Choose
A peaceful life is the result of choosing to be peaceful as many times as you can make that choice. A joyful life is the result of choosing to be joyful as often as you possibly can. A life filled with respect and dignity comes from making respectful and dignified choices. You get to help … Continue reading Choose
When Silence is Golden
It's ironic, but the times that I've been the most effective in conflict, have been the times that I've been extremely selective with my words, or even silent in reply. Those were the times when silence was golden. I say it's ironic because we have this instinct to want to make our case, and present … Continue reading When Silence is Golden
Revenge
I feel the most peaceful when I know that I have acted with kindness, decency, and honesty. It hasn't always been a charmed life for me. I don't believe any of us ultimately get away scot-free, completely sheltered from adversity. The thing is, that whenever I've acted out in retaliation to my oppressor, when I've … Continue reading Revenge
Mindfulness
It seems to me that the people who get the most upset at opposing viewpoints, are the ones who aren't fully confident in their own. Why else would they feel so threatened? Why else would they feel so manic about enforcing their point of view, if they weren't fully confident that it was a solid, … Continue reading Mindfulness
Turn
If it's still upsetting you when you think about the pain they caused, then realize that the upset has nothing to do with them. It's coming from you. Revenge and anger will do nothing to relieve you, only forgiveness can. If you're still upset, then you haven't fully forgiven them or yourself. You have to … Continue reading Turn
Believe in Peace
One of my favorite quotes from Wayne Dyer is, "You'll see it when you believe it." In fact, it's the title to one of his treasured books. It's a fantastic reverse twist on the catchphrase: "I'll believe it when I see it." I love Wayne's take on it, because his cleverness actually defines a fundamental … Continue reading Believe in Peace
Be the Peace You Seek
Whatever "life experience" I have, or do not have, should not stop me from moving forward. I cannot recreate my past. I can only create an even better future. And I need to be at peace with that fact. It's empowering to realize that I can be the source of my peace. In the prayer … Continue reading Be the Peace You Seek
Shook
It's so easy to get wrapped up in the petty inconveniences of life. But then out of nowhere, the earth can shake from underneath, and rattle you out of bed at 4 am, just to remind you that you don't have as much control over your life as you think you do. Major life-altering catastrophes … Continue reading Shook
Wherever
Destination Happiness is a trap. Thinking that you'll be happy, that you'll finally feel abundant, or be at peace once you reach some place other than where you are, is just a trick you're playing on yourself. Even though I know this, I still fall for it and need the reminder myself. The feeling that … Continue reading Wherever
Practice
As I look back at my day, I notice that the times I felt the most ease and at peace, were the times I was just in the moment. I wasn't lost in thought. My attention wasn't being pulled by something online. I wasn't stuck up in my head. Time had no meaning, and I … Continue reading Practice
Freedom
Don't you feel exhausted? I do too. It's from trying to keep up with all of the noise that's out there, while also constantly bracing ourselves against it. Resistance, being on guard and blocking out any and all of the injustice out there, takes a lot of energy. And that leaves us exhausted. What if … Continue reading Freedom
Amazing
Isn't it amazing that there is some force that cares so much about us that it makes sure we breathe regularly, our hearts beat, and that our blood circulates, supplying the energy needed throughout every area of our body? Isn't it amazing that this is all taken care of for us seamlessly, so we can … Continue reading Amazing
The Very Best
American author Wallace D. Wattles said, The very best thing you can do for the whole world is to make the most of yourself. Change begins with yourself. Progress begins with your own life. We want to live in a world of peace, equality, respect and love. It's created from each one of us beginning … Continue reading The Very Best
Healing
There is a beautiful Hawaiian prayer for healing, called the Ho’oponopono Prayer. It's simple, short and powerful. By repeating it's four phrases over and over, it helps to calm you, and clear anger, hurt and negativity. It's about forgiveness, but it calls on you to take responsibility yourself, as any emotions you feel ultimately come … Continue reading Healing
Peace
The Dalai Lama says World Peace begins with Inner Peace. It all begins with you. How peaceful are you inside? There are so many things in the world to be angry over. So many things to judge. So much evil to hate. But those emotions do not bring peace to you, and will never bring … Continue reading Peace
Make a difference
There's so much chaos going on in the world right now, moving at such a fast pace, and it feels overwhelming. It feels so big. If you ever think the world's problems are so insurmountable, and that you have no power to affect any change, just remember this gem of quote from the Dalai Lama: … Continue reading Make a difference
Real Peace
I used to rehearse arguments in my head, (or out loud while alone in the shower) with all of the antagonists in my life. Sure, I would come up with some amazing zingers that would make the writers of Dynasty proud, but in reality they just never came up at the right time. Also, all … Continue reading Real Peace
Habits
I've had a really bad habit of worrying about the future and worrying about what I'm going to do with my life. But what if I just focused on doing my best, and drop the worrying? What if I just focus on being at peace, being kind, and being as loving as I can be … Continue reading Habits
Hope and Peace
On this Easter Sunday, we are reminded of the message of hope as given from the story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hope and a fresh start for a new chapter. A new chapter for us all, and a renewal of a commitment of mine. I pray to the Holy Spirit to let my … Continue reading Hope and Peace
A circle of things
I recently heard this great piece of advice given about dealing with feeling overwhelmed with all the things to do with modern life. Essentially they said to put everything you can actually do something about into one imaginary circle, and then put everything that you cannot presently do anything about into another circle. Then just … Continue reading A circle of things
What goes on inside
I've struggled with wanting to control everything around me, thinking that way I could guarantee my happiness. But that has only just brought on more anxiety. It's impossible to anticipate and control every little thing in the world around you. Especially when dealing with a world changing global pandemic. Wayne Dyer said "You cannot always … Continue reading What goes on inside
Focus
Whenever I've gone into mental free fall, and I can sense the next stop will be full-on panic, I've learned to anchor into focusing on my breath. And, once I've stopped the cognitive plummet with a slow inhale, pause, and slow exhale, I've learned to then effectively climb back up out of the pit by … Continue reading Focus
Serenity
Are you familiar with the Serenity Prayer? "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." The prayer is simple, beautiful, and brings me such peace to recite it. I believe it's used in most all 12-step programs. I am not … Continue reading Serenity
Like a Fox! 