The Practice of Peace
It is obvious and understandable that there is a lot of palpable anger and frustration in the world. We’ve all read articles and seen videos of people losing their temper either on a plane or in a store, and getting in a fight or thrashing a restaurant etc. Most crescendo into the assailant either leaving a bewildered and relieved public, or better yet getting hauled off by the cops accompanied by a round of applause. It doesn’t take much looking to see that we are all dealing with our own demons either from the traumas of the pandemic, and having to face ourselves so intensely from quarantining, or the weight of increasing economic difficulty that is made unspeakably worse by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Throw in the seemingly ever escalating extreme rhetoric with politics, and it is easy to see why so many are struggling.
Peace is always desired, but ironically is needed most when deserved the least. There are few times when it seems like a realistic substitute when we are hurt by someone. Our first inclination is to lash out in kind because the other person or people started it. Unfortunately if we follow that logic humanity has no chance of any kind of sustainable peace either individually or collectively. It boils down to a decision, and one that we can all get better at making. Choosing to be peaceful is nourishing to our souls and what we all instinctively search for in our lives. It is not the best option because it is easy, what is called for, or even what is best for the other party. We seek peace because it is the only choice for each of us as people to live this life to its fullest.
In many ways the idea of peace is at odds with our modern world which praises money and power above everything. Those unfortunately are arguably the top two pursuits that rob us of a true and lasting contentment. How can we be balanced and fulfilled when there is so much involuntary pressure to constantly compete and consume? It makes me laugh when I hear someone overtly flaunting their successes or bragging about winning when, from what I can tell, this existence is far more about learning how to lose. Whether it be our innocence, ideals and even ultimately our own lives. Losing is an unavoidable destiny we all share, but it can lead to a great deal of freedom, unity and peace if we let it.
The definition of peace is: “freedom from disturbance; tranquility” and that brings to mind another amazing aspect of peace and that is its ability to save us from constantly being offended or “disturbed”. The world is full of things that upset us, and can be deeply triggering and hurtful. When we make peace our priority there is a chance that we are not so automatically angry and therefore easy to control. I would never want my passion for a topic to be used against me by those that understand how to draw negative emotions out of people. With peace I have a shot at living better and not feeling drained from the unwanted manipulation, especially those hiding behind a guise of good intentions.
To practice is to knowingly attempt to learn and improve at any skill or activity, and to practice peace is no different. I have been helped immensely by the thought that I can learn to be more patient and considerate. It is about getting better and learning, not being perfect. The truth is that I am fabulously flawed, and the concept of perfection is best left to circles and sunsets.