"Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures." —John F. Kennedy
When I was younger beauty pageants used to be popular on television. In their remarks, nearly every beauty pageant contestant would say she wanted, “world peace.“ For some reason back then, it struck me in a funny way. In a sarcastic tone I was like, “Yeah, and that’s an achievable goal for you as you rule as Queen for a year — good luck with that!”
Now I want world peace! Call me a late bloomer.
For me, a type A personality, the environment I was raised in, and the fast pace expected of me “out there,” peace does not come easily to me. I sometimes think my first name should have been Worry. I knew when I was younger that I worried a lot, and I could provide a landscape of reasons why the worry was legitimate. I knew nothing better except to justify the worry in an attempt to rationalize it away.
What I’ve come to realize is we can’t have world peace without starting with peace in ourselves. Now that changes the tone! Peace must start inside each of us if we hope to emit more peace into the world. I have a responsibility to myself and others to create more peace in my life, so world peace can be attainable one person at a time.
How? There isn’t one single answer that will fit all; moment after moment we need to ask ourselves, ”What will bring me more peace?”
Some examples (from an infinite laundry list) are:
- Breathe in a calming manner
- Pray and/or meditate
- Become “quiet inside” to feel what you’re feeling and then choose from the truth in your heart
- Engage in a session with a healing practitioner
- Use visualization
- Read or listen to something inspirational
- Be creative
This intention towards peace often brings up something underneath. Sometimes I can’t be more peaceful until I deal with the anger that’s underneath my lack of peace. This layer is full of endless possibilities, which comes back to the question, ”What do I need to become more peaceful?” That’s the inner work to be done by everyone every day. I now know world peace starts within me, one moment at a time.
Find what you need to be more at peace in this moment, and then the next moment and next, so peace can emanate more fully into our world.
Cheri Thomas
Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.