|
New Year's resolutions have become a tongue in cheek ritual, only to languish by the wayside around mid-February. This year is different. There is more at stake. We can no longer be sanguine about the value of life and the power of our intentions. We know now the truth of our universal vulnerability to terrorism and war. We recognize our interdependence in an increasingly global economy. We view one another's suffering on television every day and can no longer turn away. It has literally been brought home to us that terrorism is nothing new and that we have all been passive or active participants in it. Racist intolerance and violence; ethnic cleansing; religious fanaticism and hatred: these modern plagues have infected every part of the global village. We are aware as never before that the web of life on our small planet is fragile, and intricately interconnected. We are more sensitive to each shift as it impacts our families and livelihoods, the safety of our communities, and as our sons and daughters are, once more, called to war.
Shortly after September 11th, a friend shared with me her grief - not only for the tragic events of that day, but for the inescapable truth that war is an ongoing, present danger throughout our world. She could see no end to it, and felt hopeless and despondent. Then she expressed an illuminating thought that reflected a commitment of my own. "All I can do" she said, "is to create islands of peace in my own life."
In every tragedy, there are gifts. The soul of America has been stirred. We are recognizing not only what we won't stand for, but also the virtues we do stand for - unity, tolerance, justice, courage, compassion, and peace. Another friend told of an invitation to her Anglican church from the local mosque. The entire congregation went. The Synagogue across from the mosque all thronged across the street to greet their Christian and Moslem friends. When a woman learned that her Moslem neighbors were afraid to leave their homes wearing their traditional headscarves, she began to wear one every day and soon women all over town joined in. Yes, there are heroes in our midst creating islands of peace. This year, let's join them by making daring and ambitious resolutions. Let's go for critical mass. There are at least five ways to change the world - one thought, act, prayer at a time. 1) Think peacefully. When you find a critical, judgmental, or contentious thought entering your mind, replace it with a stronger thought of loving-kindness. 2) Speak peacefully. Show appreciation to people in your family or your workplace every day by acknowledging their kindness, patience, helpfulness, or excellence. Replace the lateral violence of backbiting and gossip by saying only positive things about others. 3) Listen peacefully when someone has a complaint or a different point of view, or just needs to share. Don't get furious, get curious. Get to the heart of the matter and a solution will arise. 4) Act peacefully. Forgive old grudges. Work out problems face to face with tact and understanding. Do something kind every day. 5) Pray for peace. Pray for all humanity and especially our leaders. Take time for daily reflection, and let your own inner peace carry you gently through the day.
Don't underestimate the power of simple virtues. They are infectious. Who knows what a year of personal commitments to peace can bring to this island earth?
> BACK
|
