LET PEACE BEGIN WITH OURSELVES
Let Peace Begin With Ourselves
By Allyson Volpe
There is a popular hymn from the 1950s that goes, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”* This sentiment seems particularly relevant as we all gaze on in horror at a war being waged on European soil, something that seems unfathomable in the 21st century. The only glimmer of note has been the unified voices of the world and reactions on social media, as the collective majority rallies against the senseless violence in a plea for peace; after a turbulent 20th century of world wars, humanity as a whole, is more inter-connected globally now than during anytime in our history. Too bad we are still getting it wrong.
The word “pax” is originally a Greek term meaning an end to a dispute or a war. The idea of peace also imbues a spiritual meaning and can be found in many Western and Eastern religious and faith texts, to prescribe an inner state of harmony, a calm state of mind and non-violence as a way of life. When we think about peace, we must consider it in the context of violence. Violence is not solely some outer aspect imposed upon us from the outside, but can be found deep within ourselves. The root of violence stems from the illusion that we are separate and disconnected from the other. Whether there is a sense of separation from yourself, from Source, or from everything and everyone, when we are not in a state of harmony, we react and want to fight. A conflict ensues as we dig into our defensive trenches of having to be right. After the exacerbation of the last two years of living with COVID measures, many are suffering a type of PTSD reaction which is self-limiting and traumatic, and anything but peaceful, as the collective anxiety rages. There is a disconnect.
Whichever way peace speaks to you personally, foremost we need to sit down and have a good look at ourselves and understand if we are living with a sense of ease and kindness within our own lives. What are we putting out to the collective? Questions may arise.
How harmoniously are you conducting your words and actions?
How do you react to others when things don’t go your way?
Are you at peace with your past traumas, your family and community?
Are you peaceful with your everyday decisions, relationships and patterns?
Is your very existence peaceful in its relation to Mother Nature and your footprint upon it?
When we sit down and have this honest conversation and offer ourselves some loving kindness, forgiveness and understanding, this is the first seed of peace sown. The unconditional energy of love is one of the strongest forces in the world to combat separation, and it all begins with our own practice of self-love and compassion. Allowing this sort of loving energy into your life sets the ripple in motion that flows out to the world at large. We are not separate. We are connected. This is how we combat the violence. Peace begins with us.
*”Let There be Peace on Earth”, 1955vSy Miller, Janis Jackson