Cultivating Peace

I recently read a wonderful book entitled "Cultivating Peace" written by James O'Dea. He has been involved in many peace related and conflict resolution efforts throughout the world. What he discovered over the years was that in order to be effective as an agent of peace one must be "at peace" within - as within so it will be without. It is another way of saying, "be the change you wish to experience in the world".  In effect as we experience peace in our lives we become agents of peace. So the question must always be, are we at peace? If not, why not? As we examine the present moment - the Now - and ask this question we begin the process of self-evaluation. It is the essence of the admonition to "Know Thyself". Usually, the knowledge we must seek is related to that which we believe in the sense that our choices are a manifestation of our beliefs.

If I believe that I may only be at peace in a particular situation whether physical or situational then I will be unhappy if not in that place. On the other hand, if my peace does not depend on a particular expectation then it is possible to be at peace. Though this is only the beginning, it is an important understanding. Buddhism suggests three ideas that may be used in evaluating our emotions that in part create our reality: non-attachment, non-resistance, and non-judgement. This can actually be condensed to simply attachment since resistance and judgement are really just attachments to particular beliefs, hence "Attachment is Suffering". Then we must ask, what are we attached to and why? To the extent that we free ourselves from attachment we truly become "Free" which is an inherent aspect of our essence - the human spirit.

At this point many become discouraged because they imagine that only by renouncing "a worldly" existence, as some do, can peace be achieved, and therefore they resign themselves to an unhappy life because they do not feel compelled to become a nun or live in a cave. However, one could say that the ego has made this rationalization since it allows us to accept a reality that is filled with unnecessary pain and suffering. It is simply a belief that has been perpetuated for thousands of years and is what it is. Nevertheless, the truth of our "true self" has always been known and has been passed down through the generations by those who have come to understand their true nature. It is this truth with which we must concern ourselves because it is this truth that brings peace.

An important part of the process is healing, but healing can only take place after we acknowledge the pain. The acknowledgement is both personal and collective and involves truth and reconciliation. We must affirm the truth of who we are with the understanding of our uniqueness and our essential part in the grand scheme of the universe for we now know that "Everything is Connected". Peace is the fruit of Love. God is Love. We are God therefore it is simply our true nature to manifest Love. As we manifest Love we create peace and so it is said "Peace is the Way". Ultimately pain and suffering is an illusion created by the ego-self to obscure our true self. It is always the ego-self that is attached to the world and in a sense creates the reality in which we live. As we connect with our true self we begin the process of healing as we embrace forgiveness.

To have a world of peace we must know peace. To be at peace only requires that we manifest our true nature which is love and that is always done in the present moment. Love is always standing at the door and knocking and forgiveness is the action that opens the door. Whenever possible we must seek forgiveness of those we have injured by accepting the truth that Love is our true nature. Of course, if one believes that our nature is survival of the fittest then apologies are unnecessary and the infliction of much pain and suffering becomes inevitable. This is the world that most people accept because we have been unaware of Truth, and so to "know thyself" is to know truth - the truth of who we are - beams of light shinning in the darkness.

For millions it is the dawn and though yet dim must precede a growing light. We must fuel our fires (or crank up the voltage) by removing the obstacles of peace - resistance, judgement and attachment. We must question all beliefs and accept only that which the Heart, not the ego-mind, knows to be true; for it is in the heart that the true self resides. As we accept the truth of Love we will accept our connectedness to everyone and everything which frees us from judgment and resistance. As you focus now on this very moment you will realize how all that has preceded this moment has brought you to where you are now and in your heart you will know "it is all good". Causality implies purpose and creation is an act of consciousness. Through consciousness (the consciousness of our Love essence) we create peace. You could also say that when the egos' love of power is subdued by the Love within our heart we experience peace.

Be The Change!
Love is the answer, peace is the Way,
It is what it is and it's all good.
May the Force be with You!

Discernment

As we begin to understand the idea that our reality is what we make it to be, then it follows that the choices we make will determine our future. It has been said that perhaps 90% or more of the decisions we make on a daily basis are made at the subconscious level. We automatically respond to various situations. This is not necessarily a problem, for if we had to consciously think about everything we did we most likely would not survive long. Consider the intense, focused experience of learning something new such as operating a computer or driving a car, compared to the relatively unconscious experience once we have mastered the operation. At that point they have become useful tools that we may use, but now we must be aware that we have choices as to how we use our tools.

We are an inventive species. The early evolution of man is usually related to his discovery (invention) of tools. Once we had this realization there was no stopping us. However, from the beginning the issue of how a tool is used was there. The same tools used for providing food could be used to kill other people. Today the tools we use have become so complex that it boggles the mind of most people, and yet the same basic question of how we apply this amazing technology remains. A review of history will illustrate that most inventions (excluding those created specifically for war) have been used to improve the condition of mankind as well as to exploit, subjugate and exterminate.

So how do we make the "right" choice? Often, when I think about choosing I am reminded of the scene from "Indiana Jones" where they are in the cave and Indiana's rival drinks from what he believes to be the cup of Jesus. After drinking, which be believes will bestow him with eternal life, he dramatically dies and the Knight delivers the memorable line, "He chose poorly". All choices, whether conscious or unconscious, have consequences; so clearly it is important to have some means to recognize good choices. Not surprisingly, much has been written on this topic. To a large extent religions purport to provide the basis for making the "right" choices, and while they can be useful the tendency to become dogmatic has given rise to much unhappiness and confusion.

Often, we make poor choices because we rely on the authority of someone else. Timothy Leary is famous for saying, "think for yourself and question authority." Similarly the Dalai Lama said, "The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual's own reason and critical analysis." As we reflect upon the reasons we make many of our choices, we realize that it is often a habit that may or may not be based on "reason and critical analysis". To be conscious is to be thoughtful of every action we take to the best of our understanding. Sometimes this means we must increase our understanding by seeking knowledge which should be an ongoing pursuit.

If we believe, for example, that the planet is in trouble, do our choices reflect this? Do we try to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel and reduce the wastefulness we have become conditioned to? If we believe it is wrong that the labor of the poor is exploited in "sweat shops" do we consider this in our purchasing? If we understand the danger of GMO crops and chemical based agriculture, do we buy "local" and organic when possible? The understanding that everyone and indeed all life on this planet is connected, morally requires us to examine our lives and accept responsibility for our actions, for every action has an effect. We must ask, am I part of the problem or part of the solution?

Likewise, on a personal level, our choices must reflect the understanding that I have previously spoken of. We must engage our heart that is the center of caring and compassion - our true nature. We must know ourselves as unique beacons of light that when joined with others will change the world. To the extent that we make choices from this point of view we will experience the peace and joy that life is meant to be, and then the world will change. Or as Jimi Hendrix reportedly said, "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."

May The Force Be With You!

Many Voices

I am constantly amazed as I encounter new people expressing the same ideas I have been sharing here. I believe it would not be an exaggeration to say there are a million voices proclaiming the need to awaken from the unconscious life we have been living. Wherever one looks - from the pain and suffering caused by war, poverty, dis-ease and other forms of injustice to the destructive exploitation of the planet - the need to grow beyond our present state of ignorance is evident. What is also evident is that the "shift" will not be brought about by governments or institutions that are heavily invested in maintaining the existing system even though it is obviously unsustainable.

If we consider the transition from the "dark ages" into the "enlightenment" we realize how the view of humanity and our place in the universe changed dramatically. It was a relatively slow process compared to the speed that change takes place today. Imagine having grown up with the view that the earth was flat and the sun revolved around it being told that this was not how it is at all. How incredible this must have seemed. Yet, slowly a new reality unfolded. Today, we are in a similar process. The institutions that have evolved over the past 500 years are being challenged by the growing awareness that they are no longer useful and in fact have become a "stumbling block" to the world of peace, a world of caring and sharing that we all, by our nature, desire.

One example of how people are changing the world is the Vday movement. It grew out of the vision of an amazing woman - Eve Ensler . In 1996 she wrote and first performed The Vagina Monologues out of which evolved the now worldwide Vday movement that through raising awareness strives to eliminate violence against women. It is a totally grassroots movement that is making a difference for many girls and women, but the most important task of raising awareness still has a ways to go, but in this time of "viral" events change can happen quickly.

Still, it depends on the willingness of each of us to be open to change and to embrace it each day and every moment regardless of where we are or what we are doing. Every situation is an opportunity to question and ask if we are expressing our true self of love and compassion or are we responding to the habitual negativity of our egos. Every time we ask this question we connect to our higher self and infuse our being with the positive energy that is the Force.

Eve Ensler

Be Here Now

In the early 70's Ram Dass wrote a book, upon his return from India, called Be Here Now. As the title suggests he relates how understanding is only achieved through being in the present moment for that is the only reality that exists.
As one is able to achieve this he is able to see more clearly. Back in the day it was one of the books you would have if you were serious about the movement. Find someone who has it (if you don't) and borrow it.


Inevitably, as the veil is lifted, a multitude of questions arise as we strive to embrace the realization of our true self and reconcile it with the circumstances in which we find ourselves. It is never a question of past mistakes for each of us is exactly where he/she needs to be. The question is only what we do now and in the next minute. Is it an expression of love or something else? It's a simple idea, but after years of conditioning it does require effort. Many have addressed the issues that arise but I was particularly inspired by Eckhart Tolle's presentation in The Power of Now and sequel A New Earth. If you are not familiar with his work, it has been highly regarded by many and I assume its popularity reflects the fact that it resonates with those who have read these books. There are truly many wonderful and inspiring writings available today both on the Internet as well as in print, but if you don't have time to read the many then I would highly recommend these for getting up to speed fast.

Tolle draws on many sources to illustrate and explain the ideas he presents which are mostly not new ideas at all. He lovingly shares his own experience with despair and the powerful realization that eventually led him to writing so that others may benefit from his experience. He clearly explains how our egos are nurtured and the true self gets marginalized in the process. Once we see this we can begin to take control of our lives in a way that can bring the inner peace and joy and happiness that we all desire. Give it a shot. Maybe Now is the time!

May the Force Be with You

Fear not...

It could be argued that fear has become the primary motivating force for most people in this country - The Land of the Free.  It operates in big ways as in the fear of terrorism as well as subtly through advertising as in "you don't want to be seen without this" or "wouldn't you feel better (safer) living here" or  "wouldn't you sleep better knowing you're protected".
The drone is constant and people are constantly making choices based on these ideas - fictional scenarios based on someone's imagination in order to get us to make a particular choice from housing to clothing to elections.

But this is only the beginning. In school the youngest children are sometimes made to be fearful of doing something wrong, that is - what an authority says is wrong. In fact, submission to authority turns out to be one of the key elements in our educational system. It is constantly being challenged by some enlightened person or another but the beauty of a huge institution with an elaborate bureauracy is how slow it changes and how frequently the changes are totally opposite the best learning practices which is well understood by science.

So we become moulded into a submissive society and few notice except those who do and yell out, each in their own way, "Wake Up!" Many have described this condition in books, the Internet, and in films such as I Am, Thrive, Ethos, Zeitgeist, as well as Matrix, Avatar, Groundhog Day and others. Fortunately, due largely to the Internet the word is getting out and people are again beginning to question the reality we have created. This was the essence of the cultural evolution of the 60's and 70's, and though the power of our political/economic system prevailed over the forces of general awakening the vital groundwork for the present was established.  Now is the time.

As one awakes from the American Dream suddenly all things are possible such as a world without war. Profoundly George Carlin answers the question "why do they call it the American dream ?", "Because you have to be asleep to believe it." As awake individuals we can realize that fear is created in the mind since it is always one and usually many people telling a particular story over and over. To fear or not to fear that is the question. It is a choice. Shall we love our neighbor or kill him/her. Do we worry about what others think of us or just live a life of love and caring, held up as an ideal but not pursued since it would not permit the injustice inflicted on this planet in every way. Instead we allow ourselves to be persuaded that humans are sinful by nature and only after death (if you are "good") will you find a world where Love is the answer. What a crock of crap! Even the bible says we are created in the image of God and that means Love, and Jesus said anyone could be as he is and do what he does. I guess this is the part we are not supposed to believe - at least literally.

As awake and ultimately enlightened humans we are creating a new vision which each day is increasing geometrically. We are connecting through networks and in community. It is all about thinking globally and acting locally. Every action we make locally now has a global impact from the food we eat to the clothes we buy and the energy we consume. This is the downside of waking and the basis for "ignorance is bliss". To be awake means to be responsible for the entity we call ourself. If its true that our nature is to cooperate and care rather than competing and conquering then the path is clear and a "peace and love" world is the only Way. This is what I'm saying. "Imagine" - a world with no borders? Etc., etc., etc. Be the Change, this is the challenge for each of us, and believe me it is a challenge, but it's nothing we can't do. In fact it has been done (go here) and is being done now. Of course these models don't correspond to the American Dream and so are not even discussed In the "main stream". Fear not, for I bring you good tidings. The age old dream of heaven on earth is alive and well and is becoming - "on earth as it is in heaven".

see here

Know Thyself

Know thyself is a maxim that dates back thousands of years. It is said to be on the Luxor Temple in Egypt which was begun around 1500 BCE. It is more often associated with the Delphi Temple in Greece.

Awakening

A term frequently used in describing the process of change is awaken. It refers to the idea that most of us have not been truly aware of how the world works as well as how we as individuals function. Now, however, that is rapidly changing as a multitude of voices are spreading the word as I am doing in this blog.
Much has been written throughout history about not being fully aware. The bible frequently makes reference to veiled eyes or being blinded by the "darkness". Even further back the Vedic writings speak of maya and the illusory nature of reality. These references apply to both the "inner" and "outer" human experience.

With regard to the outer world of government, institutions and economics etc., there has always been individuals who understood their true nature and sought to enlighten others but in times when the ability to communicate was limited the impact was small. Jesus would be one of the few who it would appear gained a large enough following that it threatened the existing elite, so he was executed as one would expect. The followers were so tenacious that it required the elite to co-opt the movement in order to control it. The Roman Catholic Church that was created skillfully modified the message to not threaten the power structure, and dealt harshly with anyone who would question it. For over a thousand years the church executed and banished thousands of "heretics" and that doesn't include the Crusades which, of course, was simply a cleverly disguised quest for power and control over more people not unlike the "war on terrorism" today.

Now, instant worldwide communication has changed the dynamic. It is no coincidence that this is happening in a time when the need for change is more critical than it has ever been in history. The devastation of the planet brought about by human greed and ignorance has reached epic proportions and truly threatens life for billions of humans not to mention all other forms of life upon which we depend. Of course the threat of a nuclear holocaust is still alive and well. However, people are recognizing these threats on a scale that has never before been possible. How we respond is the great challenge we are faced with.