Happy Earth Day! May we continue to honor the planet and all of life. I believe that when we join in intention be it through prayer, thoughts or meditation, we contribute energetically and spiritually to the world. Action of course also contributes. Maylove and peace prevail in our little planet!
Affirmative Prayer:
For the World
Where there is hatred, let there be love.
Where there is hunger, let there be nourishment.
Where there is suffering, let there be relief.
Where wars are being fought, let there be peace.
Where there is prejudice, let there be unity.
Where sickness is, let there be healing.
Where there is ignorance, let there be understanding.
Where there is religious or spiritual intolerance,
I hardly watch the news or read disturbing articles, but occasionally my curiosity gets the best of me, it saddens me to read of man’s inhumanity to another.
Yet, in the midst of the darkness, there is also light. The best way to balance this world is by being light bearers and extending love, prayers and positive thoughts to the planet and to our brothers and sisters.
This quote by Bryon Katie is a reminder of the importance of doing inner work so that we let go of our internal negativity and become a force of peace unto this world:
“A teacher of fear can’t bring peace on Earth. We have been trying to do it that way for thousands of years. The person who turns inner violence around, the person who finds peace inside and lives it, is the one who teaches what true peace is. We are waiting for just one teacher.
When I first heard of Martin Luther King Jr. I was in the auditorium of my elementary school. I was just learning to speak English which was my second language. Even if at that tender age, I really couldn’t understand what his message was about or what the issues were, I remember being moved by the power of his voice and the respectful silence that would take place as students and teachers listened to his eloquent speeches.
His life was cut short, but his words lives on, and becomes more powerful as times goes by. When words, or a message has truth in it or a meaning that triggers change, they survive the test of time.
I am sharing a few memorable quotes in his memory:
On Equality:
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
Service:
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”
“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
Faith:
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.”
“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
Peace:
Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.
Love as means of change:
I have decided to stick to love…Hate is too great a burden to bear.
Determination:
If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.
Forgiveness:
Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.
Doing the right thing:
On some positions, Cowardice asks the question, “Is it safe?” Expediency asks the question, “Is it politic?” And Vanity comes along and asks the question, “Is it popular?” But Conscience asks the question “Is it right?” And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because Conscience tells him it is right.
Ignorance:
People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.
As the year is coming to an end, what better time to focus on peace and change for ourselves and the betterment of humanity.
I am sharing different music videos that can be listened on a lazy day and perhaps inspire you to create your own changes, or if not, then at least relax you.
Imagine- John Lennon
Peace I am aware cannot be accomplished overnight, the human condition pretty much show us this, and it used to be discouraging at times for me to see that basically mankind has continued with the conflicts that are centuries old.
Yes, I am a dreamer, and at times a doer. Altough I am very human and have moments of inner struggle, I try to contribute to the consciousness of our world by having peace in my heart and therefore in my home, and in turn I am generally very peaceful towards family, friends and strangers, but in order to experience this, I made personal changes by letting go of what no longer worked for me.
As Lao Tzu said, we need to start with ourselves. One person at a time, can create change.
“If there is to be peace in the world, There must be peace in the nations.
If there is to be peace in the nations, There must be peace in the cities.
If there is to be peace in the cities, There must be peace between neighbors.
If there is to be peace between neighbors, There must be peace in the home.
If there is to be peace in the home, There must be peace in the heart.”
— Lao Tzu (570-490 B.C.)
Tell Me Why-Declan Galbraith
I admit, I had never heard of this singer, who is English of Scottish-Irish origin; my lifemate shared it with me last year, and I was moved to tears! He was only 10 years old in this clip (he is now 20) and sings with passion, as he asks the questions mankind has often asked, why is there suffering, why is there need and what can we do to help.
Michael Jackson – Man In The Mirror
Disregarding Michael Jackson’s eccentric ways, I find the late singer was a powerful performer, with yet another reminder that to make a change in the world we need to make a change within ourselves.
As Ghandi said: “Be the change, you wish to see in the world”
Words of true wisdom.
BOB DYLAN – Blowing in the Wind
This song has been described as a protest song, but the lyrics does not preach, or suggest a course of action; it lets the listener listen to the philosophical questions and come to his own answers, which are blowing in the wind – near you, your heart.
The same message of peace has been repeated worldwide for thousands of years, by spiritual leaders to philosophers (well most) and yet we still don’t get it, but one day I assume we will, if not in this generation then in another one.
May the New Year bring everyone love, joy, abundance and the “peace, that passes all understanding!”
Love is The Answer 