Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Beyond Peace

I woke up this morning feeling uneasy, which is strange as I went to bed feeling peaceful. I'd had a good day and been able to resolve a couple of issues than had been bugging me. But this morning that good feeling had evaporated . . . as a deeper sense of uncertainty began to surface. In today's world, it seems, there's always something to unsettle us. The thought came:

How can I be at peace with the world when the world is not at peace with itself?

What a question!

The answer came to me as more questions:
  • Is a raging river at peace with itself?

  • Is a thunderstorm at peace with the world?

The questions, to anyone willing to listen to their innate, inner, wisdom, are absurd.

'Peace' is merely a concept. An idea created by the human mind.

The reality is that even the most peaceful looking mirror lake is teaming with life, with natural creation and destruction.



Even in the most blissful of meditation, our bodily processes are continuing, destroying food to turn it into energy.

Life goes on, death goes on. Many of us may seek an end to disputes between humans but, in this era at least, they are as part of reality as a ladybird eating an aphid from our roses.

The conclusion?

The only way to feel peaceful is to be peaceful. And that means just being . . . beyond labels of peace or otherwise, beyond judgement as to what constitutes peace and what doesn't.

Being Peaceful means Being  . . . Beyond Thought


Friday, July 1, 2016

Everyman

As I do my best to do what needs to be done today, at least part of me, whenever it gets the chance, will be joining with the Somme Centenary vigil.

On days like today, 100 years to the day from the start of the battle that cost the lives of, literally, a million souls from around the globe.

On days like today, as Brits (and many others) seek to find a way of engaging with the world post Brexit.

On days like today as so many reflect on the changing face of politics around the world . . . and wonder how we can become one nation . . . and one humanity.

As we remember those who gave their lives then, and in other conflicts since, in so many nations, from so many backgrounds, let us remember that, first and foremost, they were human beings . . . like you, like me.

Everyman: A sung contribution