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The Way of Peace Today I awake to a world at war. Yesterday I awoke to a world at war. Tomorrow I will awaken to a world at war. It is hard to escape experiencing war in some way. Talk of and sound bites of and pictures of war are entrenched in our media, on our streets, in our conversations, in our rallies and protests, pro and con. The ìhot spotsî around the globe that are all too familiar to us, and places that we scarcely hear about. And the violence in our schools, on our streets, in our workplaces, in our homes. And the violence in economic sanctions, suppression of dissent, erosion of our civil liberties, the devaluation of human life. War is a pollutant, as deadly to our well-being as cigarette smoke, auto emissions, coal-burning power plants, contaminants in our water. It would seem that there is nothing but war in our environment. Peace, not just as the absence of war, does exist in the world, in all of us individually. It is a simple, natural way of being. Yet, we seem to never remember its language, its conversations, its lessons. This way of being is one of power by standing up for justice, diversity and the opportunity to pursue our dreams, with love, generosity and compassion. This way of being is realizing our highest aspirations and unique gifts to contribute to Tikun Olam (repair or restoration of the world), a better world for our children and grandchildren. The way to peace, perhaps through anti-war, is a leap to a higher consciousness. Peace. Peace as love. A grandfather hugging his grandchildren; two sisters sharing a secret moment; a son saying ìGood-byeî at his fatherís funeral; lovers kissing good-bye at the end of the evening. Peace as truth. Admitting to your teacher that you didnít do your homework; without an excuse; open expression of feelings even if they might cause hurt; speaking up about a friendís unethical act, knowing you could jeopardize that friendship; speaking out against an unjust law, willing to risk any consequences. Peace as understanding. A mother listening to her daughterís side to the story, not jumping to conclusions; a man listening to his neighbor to find out why he believes as he does; Israeli and Palestinian students listening to each other in a pilot program for peace in Jerusalem; a young adult listening to an elder to find out what it was like to grow up in another part of the world. Peace in action is supporting Representative Kucinichís resolution to create a Department of Peace. Peace in action is reaffirming the United Nationsí greater role in global affairs. Peace in action is generously increasing governmental subsidies for the arts. Peace in action is teaching our children at the earliest possible age non-violent conflict resolution. Tomorrow I will awaken to the presence of peace in the world, peace within myself. --David Nekimken |
