SubscribePeace Starts from Within Us
Photo by zoostory
“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” – Dalai Lama
—————————-
I couldn’t have said it better than his Holiness. I have previously asked if there is a quietest place on Earth and I got funny answers like in the cemetery or only dead people are quiet. It was good to read the lighter sides to that question.
Some of them gave serious and thoughtful answers through their personal experiences; they had found the quietest place from hikes in the Rocky mountains while looking into the eyes of an eagle or quietness in moments of solitary amidst the vastness of the Sonoran desert or simply just be surrounded by nature.
The majority of people shared my thought that the quietest place is found in everyone – within oneself. It is easy for one to find peace during good times. But when one find peace within himself/herself, one can even find peace in the most traumatic and challenging time.
Through this peace that one find within oneself, one can obtain peace with others like what His Holiness, Dalai Lama said. And through this peace that one obtain with others, we can have peace in the world. Do you think that is possible? I believe it is possible.
Besides peace we make with ourselves, we must also be compassionate and kind to each other; treating each other with loving kindness as if you would be treating your family and friends. There is a saying, “There are no strangers in this world, but only friends we have not met.” And Mitch Albom said in his book, “Strangers are family you have yet to come to know.” There is a certain truth to this as I believe we are interconnected in this world. What we are doing may indirectly affect another.
Since we are not living life as a hermit, there are bound to be communication with people around us. With communication, misunderstanding can easily arise. There is a need for mutual understanding and respect for each other difference. Failing to put ourselves in another shoes usually lead to conflicts. This can be otherwise averted if we are not too quick to judge others or situations. Let us practice less haste and more patience.
When we are compassionate and kind to others, others will eventually reciprocate with compassion and kindness also. You may ask why it should start from us? Like Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Let us be the change and let us inspire others to follow. And together with mutual understanding and respect for each other difference, peace in the world is highly achievable.
———————————–
“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
—————————–
Sponsor: Get Identity Protection. Don’t allow thieves to use your information. LifeLock helps you. Enroll Now.
by Pam, on December 16 2009 @ 1:54 pm
It is very true we will never be happy with others until we are happy with ourselves. I love that quote by Ghandi. It is one we all need to apply to ourselves.
.-= Pam´s last blog ..Our Best Christmas Present Ever =-.
by housewife9988, on December 16 2009 @ 5:55 pm
It’s well said than done!!!
.-= housewife9988´s last blog ..Simunjan =-.
by meleah rebeccah, on December 17 2009 @ 12:43 am
I would give anything right now for a moment of peace.
.-= meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..Devastation Nation =-.
by Tracy, on December 17 2009 @ 10:00 am
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”…this has long been a huge inspiration and manta to keep in mind. As is Thich Nhat Hahn’s book Peace is Every Step–the title alone inspiring change. During this time which can be quite hectic, finding moment of peace is essential. And with a New Year soon dawning, being and instrument of peace in the world–I like this! Happy Days
) ((HUGS))
by Hilary, on December 17 2009 @ 2:46 pm
Let us be the change we want to see in the world -such an important thought to keep up front and remember daily and through the day.
All the words the world needs to hear ..
Thank you – Peace at this time
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
.-= Hilary ´s last blog ..Kissing under the Mistletoe – how did it all begin? and Asterix! =-.
by Tina T, on December 17 2009 @ 5:22 pm
I like the idea of being the change you want to see. It is easy to feel that good things do not need to begin with us. But if not with us, then with whom? I have had so many people show me kindness that I cannot fully repay, so I try to show my thankfulness for this by passing it on to someone who probably cannot repay my kindness.
.-= Tina T´s last blog ..Celebrities and Relationships =-.
by lisaschaos, on December 17 2009 @ 9:52 pm
I’m trying to make some changes, hopefully for the better, but as is true in a household with others, it isn’t just about me. I’m sure we’ll come up with a good compromise and still be better for it.
.-= lisaschaos´s last blog ..A Deer in some Christmas Lights =-.
by Symphony of Love, on December 18 2009 @ 12:02 am
@ Pam, I just love that quote by Gandhi and has been using it to remind me constantly to be the change I want to see in the world.
@ housewife, pardon me if I may misunderstood your meaning. It is easier said than done for sure. And yet there has to be the first step for every journey. This is one journey that requires everyone to be united and starting from ourselves we can achieve this one person at a time.
@ Meleah, it is not easy to do but whatever you need to give for a moment of peace is already in you … and I know it is not easy. And that is how we learn and grow.
@ Tracy, I have been keeping the quote in mind and hopefully applying it successfully too. Peace is Every Step – this seems like an interesting book to read. I shall keep this in mind and try to find it when I am in the library next time. Have great days too.
@ Hilary, indeed, it is all the words the world needs to hear.
@ Tina, I couldn’t have said it better, “… if not with us, then with whom?”
@ Lisa, it will definitely be for the better … when everyone starts from within himself/herself.
by Jude, on December 19 2009 @ 11:48 am
Morning BK stopping by to read your wise words and feeling very peaceful at this moment and wishing the same feeling for you my Internet friend, blessings to ya.
.-= Jude´s last blog ..A Break From Everything Except Posting/Canceled Advertiser List =-.
by VanillaSeven, on December 19 2009 @ 1:13 pm
Agree with you BK. Peace shall start from within our heart. Have you heard Melody Gardot / Over The Rainbow? She will be performing this coming march in Singapore, and I will surely watch the show. Hope you like her performance too.
Have a great weekend BK!
.-= VanillaSeven´s last blog ..Human made bird nest =-.
by Cathy Voisard, on December 19 2009 @ 3:28 pm
I so always enjoy your uplifting posts…thanks again. I do believe peace is within us, and as far as world peace I do hope:
Imagine there’s no Heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
You may say that I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one
–John Lennon
.-= Cathy Voisard´s last blog ..A Christmas Story =-.
by Megan "JoyGirl!" Bord, on December 19 2009 @ 7:37 pm
I love this, and believe that world peace starts with inner peace for the simple fact that we are all interconnected and everything is energy. Therefore when I am at peace with myself, I send that energy into the world and it ripples outward and affects others.
I’m glad you talked about being compassionate toward others, as well – whether we know them or not. When we talk about tending to our own inner peace I think some people take that to mean that they should isolate themselves from the world. Quite the opposite. I think we need to interact with others; after all, they teach us more about who we are and what challenges we have yet to overcome internally.
Much love, joy and peace to you always!
.-= Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..Funny Cookies =-.
by Symphony of Love, on December 20 2009 @ 1:52 am
@ Jude, thank you my friend, and glad to hear that you are feeling very peaceful now.
@ VanillaSeven, pardon me, I remember you telling me about Melody but I forgotten to take a look at you. I should really check it out tonight. Have a great weekend too.
@ Cathy, thank you. And thank you for sharing the song by John Lennon.
@ Megan, indeed, we can all be translated into energy. And when we are in peace, that energy will be sent to others too. Yes, I agree with you that inner peace is definitely not about isolating oneself. Thank you for your wishes. Much love, joy and peace to you always too.
by Fatima Da, on December 20 2009 @ 3:18 pm
May Peace be with us all, Lovely uplifting post……..Merry Xmas and a Happy
New Year in Advance
.-= Fatima Da´s last blog ..A Christmas Wish… =-.
by Symphony of Love, on December 20 2009 @ 8:17 pm
@ Fatima, thank you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance to you and yours too.
by Patricia, on December 21 2009 @ 1:51 pm
Wonderful quotes that remind me to stop and find peace in the moment.
I particularly like Eleanor Roosevelt’s words, because it is worth working on – finding that inner peace on a regular basis.
Oh imagine if everyone was kind to each other…it is what I like best about Dr. Rosenberg’s Compassionate Communications work….problem solving through connection.
Thank you for this good reminder
.-= Patricia´s last blog ..Peaceful Service – Practices of Peace =-.
by Symphony of Love, on December 21 2009 @ 7:46 pm
@ Patricia, Eleanor Roosevelt’s words are powerful indeed to get us into action. She is right, we not only have to believe in peace but we also have to take steps toward it.
by Ben, on December 21 2009 @ 8:42 pm
So very true. Inner peace must come first. And I’ve always loved the quote from Gandhi that you mentioned at the end. Very awesome quote.
.-= Ben´s last blog ..Romantic Thoughts and Wedding Vows =-.
by Symphony of Love, on December 22 2009 @ 12:50 am
@ Ben, that is indeed an awesome quote from Gandhi. It sums up a lot about personal attitude.
by (Christmas Time) Imagine by John Lennon | Symphony of Love’s Blog, on December 23 2009 @ 10:16 pm
[...] Differences divide while similarities bond us together. There was a saying which I chanced upon previously but I couldn’t recall the author of it now; it goes, “One day people will realise that there is only one race in this world – the human race.” Let us starts peace from within us. [...]
by Eren Mckay, on January 5 2010 @ 4:58 pm
My name means peace. I believe that surrounding our environment with calm music and talking to ourselves to remain calm is a very good way to stay at peace. I agree that outer circumstances do not cause peace. It is found within our soul as you said. The fast paced society has made it very hard for people to discover this kind of peace. They are so busy doing, that they never stop and smell the roses. They never stop to just feel serenity.
It makes for a bunch of neurotic and uptight people going around totally stressed out.
Love your writings.
Blessings,
Eren
.-= Eren Mckay´s last blog ..How to stay calm while being more productive =-.
by Symphony of Love, on January 5 2010 @ 8:14 pm
@ Eren, I like your idea of surrounding oneself with calming music and talking to ourselves to remain calm. One thing which I always do is to listen to classical music while I am driving so that I can remain calm. It may not have always worked but so far so good. What is most important is that we control what is within us than what is outside of us. I agree with you that it is a challenge for most to find the peace within them considering the hectic lifestyle that they are going through everyday. I hope they can stay calm while being more productive.