Tag: Peace

It’s Never Too Late to Walk Barefoot

In my sixth decade, foot pain was getting my attention and I realized wearing (any and all) shoes had taken a toll. Hesitant at first, I decided to go barefoot as often as possible. There was a need to let my feet touch the earth again. Now in my seventh decade, I’m certain that this choice among others saved my gait. 

It’s never too late to heal. It’s never too late to turn the tide on bad choices or imposed circumstances. And while healing may not be curing, it’s empowering and freeing in its own right.

We are massively in need of healing these days. The imposed circumstances of our lives have made us complicit in self-destruction – much like wearing the wrong shoes. But here is the good news, you can stop; you can change. You can heal.

I’m reminded of an aunt who spent her young years in the garden. She was an awesome cook and she advanced her education as much as she was able. I owe my love of reading and inquisitiveness to her coaching. But as the years advanced, she spiraled into bitterness and eventual depression. It was hard to witness this suffering. At her end, when I visited her in a nursing home, a nun who cared for her told me she always prayed for peace. This came as a bit of a surprise because years earlier she had mocked my pursuit of peace, yet, now she was asking for that simplicity for herself. It’s our birth right, this quest for peace. It is a natural outpouring of the deepest part of our nature, whenever it surfaces.

And who is to say when it’s too late to ask? Time is not the ruler of our hearts; it’s merely a mile marker. We can all live lifetimes in moments – both joyous and painful; and the memories are ours to keep.  

At this time of great uncertainty, seek the certainty that exists within the silent moments. There is a cry from the heart for peace. Let it unfold for you as it has for those before you. We honor those who lived with dignity. Let us emulate them. It’s never too late.

Becoming Human

In honor of International Women’s Day celebrated yearly on March 8th, and although it should be celebrated every day until inequity ceases, I want to harken back to Eleanor Roosevelt and her defiant resistance to wars of aggression and inhumanity. I want us to realize the wisdom of the UN Declaration of Human Rights that powerfully called every world leader to acknowledge their responsibility to each and every human being on the face of the earth. I want us all to reckon with the way we were entrusted with the accountability of promoting, establishing and maintaining peace. The understandings so eloquently put forth in that document should not be lost or minimized as ruthless men attempt to divert humankind to its ugliest nature. 

We have two natures. It’s time we reclaim our nature of peace. Today there are women’s voices that against tremendous odds are upholding the best in us. 

Keep focused on Francesca Albanese, the first woman to head the UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories. She has repeatedly called out Israel’s ethnic cleansing and apartheid and has been sanctioned by the United States, but continues speaking truth to power.

Another important voice is Agnes Callamard, the Secretary General of Amnesty International who recently spoke about the assassination of Iraqi human rights defender and feminist Yanar Mohammed. There are brilliant and, I will say, holy women, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in order that humanity might rise. 

I have been fortunate to walk in the company of powerful women who refused to be sidelined. Their words continue to guide.

Wake up sisters, including my trans sisters and all gender challenging people. It’s ours to win and the time is now. Don’t be afraid. Reclaim our humanity. The ancestors and those yet to be born are counting on us to finally get it right.

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

Be uplifted with these AP photos Photos showing Women marking International Women’s Day

I will probably add to this post from time to time, but I must surely mention here the vision and wisdom of Grace Lee Boggs. Not to be missed.

The photo is in loving remembrance of Annie Kahn and all she shared of Dine (Navajo) culture and the power of being human.

Take a Universal Stand

In 2009 I wrote a book called The Peace Warrior. I explained that we’re all peace warriors – or at least we have the potential to be. As one friend put it, it was a “call to action”. Another friend told me the two words, peace and warrior, didn’t belong together. I’m still laughing at that. My response continues to be, “it’s not called peace pansy, it’ called peace warrior for a reason.”

Somewhere along the line, peace being equated with passivity became the norm. Or we tied the word “peace” to a belief, or an absence of war. Good luck waiting on that.

No, the kind of peace I was and do refer to is innate and available. And those who embark on a life of peace must have courage. In this outward churning world, it’s easy to forget our true nature. Peace requires a love of self and of humanity above and beyond all the labels we wear or have been put upon us. 

It takes recognition of our finite and temporal nature and allows for the intervention and stewardship of that which is Greater by design. Call it what you will. But please do not ask my allegiance to any religion or politic. And allow me to enjoy my heaven now. 

If peace is to win out, it will be because we put all that is universal and human first. What is universal? The need for clean water, food, shelter, dignity and connection – a space inside and out to be the unique selves that we are. What is human? We’re on our way to find out.

And the peace warrior must have a good sense of humor. It’s the armor against ignorance. Wake up peace warriors. The game is afoot.

And some words that inform me:

“We have power… Our power isn’t in a political system, or a religious system, or in an economic system, or in a military system; these are authoritarian systems… they have power… but it’s not reality. The power of our intelligence, individually or collectively IS the power; this is the power that any industrial ruling class truly fears: clear coherent human beings.” ~ John Trudell

What is Peace? A seven minute video to make you think from Prem Rawat

Please listen to my conversation with Fatemeh Jamalpour on her new book For the Sun After Long Nights. to witness the beautiful human spirit against all odds – and our need for empathy and taking a universal stand.

What’s Missing?

Another march. Another rally. Speeches and tears, juxtaposed with ICE raids, deliberate starvation and murders of innocents. Troops sent to Washington DC despite drops in crime. Calls for the Epstein files fall on deaf ears, and in this cacophony of misery one has to wonder what’s missing?

Most have been programmed to believe someone will save us. We’ve put hope and faith in political leaders, in religion and in systems of education and work that have failed us time and again. Lies are exposed and still we wait for our savior. What’s missing?

We’re taught recent world history and the not so recent history of what happens to a people when they’re led against their better angels. When they’re led to forego their humanity for power or greed. We’ve witnessed the decay of the human spirit and the rise of apathy caused by a reliance on euphoric entertainment of all kinds.

Choose your poison.

People look towards the heavens and ask or blame god, “Why, they cry?” And then turn around and accept the same old stories from those who supposedly have answers, because it was read it in a book or in the stars. And human suffering continues with more confusion and doubt.

What’s missing?

Seldom do we look at ourselves to see our part in the upheaval. Seldom do we look to ourselves for answers. We’ve inherited systems of belief and management that do not work; do we demand that those systems unhand us? Or consciously choose to walk away? Or are we satisfied with silencing those who dare to challenge the status quo and our beliefs?

What’s missing? Socrates famously said, “Know thyself.” Perhaps it’s time that we do.

I have found help in this on-going discovery of self in the words of Prem Rawat.

I am convinced that our own inner discovery is the foothold for peace within us and in the world. Be well.

In Pursuit of Happiness

One of the most debated ideals of the Declaration of Independence is Jefferson’s insertion of the words “the pursuit of happiness”, and I suggest this is the most fundamental and most egregiously misunderstood assertion.

Soon after Jefferson’s writing these words, the debate on their meaning shifted to acquisition and property as the means of happiness. Accepting this shift nullifies the possibility of happiness outside of the domain of property and grants the state the authority to either support or hinder the progress of happiness. It downplays the pursuit of happiness as an internal struggle available to all individuals regardless of acquisition.

Jefferson recognized, rightfully, that King George’s laws over the colonies made “the pursuit of happiness” difficult. The restrictions placed on individuals by the King’s government made that pursuit of happiness (and here I will refer to it as the pursuit of peace) secondary to economics and taxation. The acquisition of money became the priority in order to survive. The pursuit of property and wealth took precedence over the possibility of happiness regardless of financial gain.

Jefferson’s gift to the Declaration was to elevate human possibilities to lofty ideals and in doing so he opened the door to a greater humanity.  But as a nation we have repeatedly refused to walk through the door of peace. Instead, we choose conquering and imperialism.

And on it goes, war and militarism, and now militarized police and ICE have been normalized and the pursuit of happiness is relegated to an old-fashioned notion that impedes progress.

Material goals replace higher ideals. And as our nation and culture continue on the path of militarism and might, the price paid is beginning to show itself in the loss of compassion, empathy and humanity itself. The good news is those precious human traits can be restored. They live within us and need our attention now. Spent time with those who uphold humanity. Engage the true pursuit of happiness. It is possible.

“It is Still a Beautiful World”

In my youth in the 70’s I was fascinated by philosophy and sought wisdom. Recently, I remembered a poem that was a poster I had hung in my room. It’s known as “Desiderata”, which is Latin for “things desired as essential”. It was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann of Indiana. While the poem received no recognition at the time it was written, I believe it’s worthy of our attention today.

And while some words are dated, the humanity and the intention outlast time. In the changing wheel of fortune, we best find comfort and solace where it lives. Within us.

Never give up on the possibility of peace. Work towards it.

Desiderata by Max Erhmann

“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. 

Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. 

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love – for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. 

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. 

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you from misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. 

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. 

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. 

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive (it)Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. 

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.”

Thank you Max Erhmann for your wisdom.

Thank you for taking time to read my blog. Best wishes.

It’s Still Up To Us

In January, 2020, I wrote much of this in response to the saber rattling over Iran. And now the war hawks are at it again.

Our history is full of people who have championed peace and diplomacy over war. We have honored those people and those ideals. Yet time after time we have allowed lies and greed to lead us into endless and inhumane wars.

Recent flagrant disregard of international law has opened the door for retaliation and the escalation of death and destruction. Leaders toss around nuclear options as if we could all relocate to another planet.

The fumbling assertions and disagreements within the Trump administration demonstrate the dangerous incompetency at the helm.

This president continues the legacy of past presidents, which is to be led by those who make money on weapons and war. When they speak of protecting United States interests, they are speaking of oil. If we allow this escalation of war and the stealing of resources, we are complicit.

But make no mistake it is Congress who declares war, not the president. And it is the people of the United States who can still determine their collective history.

Therefore, it is imperative we stand for peace and diplomacy in whatever means is available. It’s also imperative that we end our financial ties to the industries of weapons and oil and stop funding Israel’s war machine. And to evangelicals hoping for fulfillment of prophecy, I say, “Snap out of it”. We need your kind hearts; we need your love of humanity. 

We must demonstrate to a world very uncertain of our motives but very certain of our ability to create chaos and death, that we, the people, are ready to change course.

It‘s still up to us.

There’s still time for peace.

photo from the Truthout article from January 8, 2020.

The Need for a Lifeline

Resistance to ICE in Los Angeles and elsewhere is uplifting. The decision to send National Guards and deploy Marines was predictable.  The authoritarian in chief and his allies leave no room for dissent. That has been proven for some time. Long before this moment, we have witnessed the government’s overreach by militarized police and national guard. This has been winding up for decades. Both parties enabled it.

The violence we are witnessing against the peaceful is not new. The removal of human beings, the stripping of human dignity, the forced separation of families is not new to our history or to human history.

And I suggest to you that we no longer have the luxury to ignore the reality before us. Israel and the United States have nearly destroyed international laws regarding civilian care. Enough with pretending it doesn’t matter or there is nothing to be done.

We are born and immediately given a name and with it a host of expectations. One of those expectations is that we are a self-contained unit destined for success or failure depending on our circumstances. We have been conditioned to accept this as “just the way it is”. 

Birth takes a mammoth effort. The effort we made to grasp that first breath was immense.  We demonstrated then, that we have the capacity to do the seemingly impossible.

It’s time we remember the power we hold and return to the wonder and the passion for living. That is our way out. 

There is no decree that says we must suffer and allow the suffering of others. This shunning of our gifts has not served us. That has been our choice. And now it’s time to choose differently.

Saturday, June 14. Stand for peace, freedom, community and love of all of our relations.

A Powerful Human Trait

They say most domesticated sheep live between 10 and 12 years. Apparently, my sheep were never given the memo. I’ve had quite a few live to be eighteen. A lot happens in eighteen years. And although you may not speak the same language you share a common bond and understanding. So it happened that one of my old girls was down and barely breathing. It seemed the weight of her wool might have been a contributing factor, so we began shearing her. At first it wasn’t clear if we were doing much good, but as we finished, she attempted to get up. That was the first real sign of engagement. A little hay, a little corn, a little kelp and some water has to be followed by defecation and pee. That much I have learned about sheep. 

She was rocked and massaged and coaxed and pushed until she stood. Shakily at first, but the light in her eyes told us she was in there and up for the fight. Walking took a bit more time, but gradually she made her way out of the barn. She wanted to be with the other sheep. That longing for companionship is something we all share. 

It’s a delicate balance to know how much to do and when to hold back. You must pay close attention and not force your will. You must find the patience and the perseverance to ignore the voice that tells you “It’s useless” or “I can’t do another thing.”

Because in that ‘one other thing’ that you do, you may finally see the turning point. 

Compassion is a powerful human trait with tremendous rewards. It’s not born of pity; it is a dignified response to the acknowledgement of life. Cultivate it.

Suffering Beyond Description

We can end war if we choose. Choose peace.

Capacity to Care

Of all the lessons I’ve ever learned, I’m grateful to those who demonstrated kindness and instilled a love for all of humanity within me. In my young life, Christian values had more to do with love and loving, rather than sin and fear of retribution. I could grow my capacity to care. And it felt good.

At a very young age, I learned about the kindness of St. Francis of Assisi, and participated in ripping sheets into bandages to send to leper colonies. It was empowering. And while the concepts of service to humanity or to the divine have transformed within me over the years, I know that the capacity to love and to care is something that can and should be practiced. The heart is indeed a muscle that can be stretched and can grow into a powerful resource. That is my anchor.

When the Pope chose the name of Francis, I hoped he would herald back a time when greed didn’t have such a hold on our lives. He didn’t disappoint. I don’t practice a faith, the hypocrisy is too much for me, but I was grateful as Pope Francis attempted to steer the ship back to the values of humanity that I hold in high regard. This is not meant to be a salute to Francis, but a salute to the qualities of human kind that we shared and that need to be uplifted now. 

Today, we’re steeped in judgement on ourselves and others. We use it as a mile marker to determine our place in the arbitrary hierarchy we believe God has made for us. From the perspective of Love, this is a ridiculous grid to live by. 

No two things can occupy the same space at the same time. Be occupied by Love.

Pope Francis and his capacity for care of Palestinians.