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Peace Building in District 5495
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Submitted by Robert Wertz
District 5495 Peacebuilder Chair 2023-24
Dear Friends of Peace,
While the great poets, such as the Islamic mystic Rumi, can serve as sources of inspiration for the Peacbuilder, it is important that we avoid the trap of comparison.
If that happens consider practicing the:
"24th Ripple of Peace: Practice nonattachment.
Change may only be the only constant in the world. Nothing stays exactly the same for any length of time. Remaining attached to the "way things are" is an invitation to disappointment and unnecessary suffering.
Notice how life changes around and within you. Pay attention to how the people in your life change over time and how nature alters itself through the seasons. Think about how your house and the items in it, your work, and children have changed and are changing. Be aware of how you feel different from day to day, sometimes from minute to minute.
Practice letting go of any attachment you have to people and things as they currently are. Allow yourself to Peacefully and lovingly accept impermanence as a natural part of life.
As you improve your ability to remain detached from the way your life is at any given moment, you are likely to discover that you experience less stress. You may, instead, find yourself increasingly Peaceful.
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World by, Rae Thompson.
On a spiritual level my Higher Self or super conscious has an attachment to the outcome of a Peaceful reality on the Earthly plane. My ego suggests that given the current state of affairs things may get worse before they get better.
When things get better, the work of the Peacebuilder will be of greatest importance. During the interim, nonattachment will prepare the Peacebuilder for this important work.
May you know and be Peace.
Submitted by Robert Wertz
District 5495 Peacebuilder Chair 2023-24
Dear Friends of Peace,
If meditation is a new practice, I recommend patience. Practicing patience will enable you to not be distracted by the chatter of the "monkey mind". Therin lies the key, stop trying to meditate and be the meditation through the practice of patience.
A way to practice patience is found in the:
"21st Ripple of Peace: Lighten up.
When we are intensely serious about ourselves and everything we do, it is possible to overreact to situations and override our inner Peace. The process of loosening and lightening up often gives us new insights on how to solve problems, move forward with an important project and reconnect with what is meaningful in our lives.
If your life feels like a burden, it may be time to lighten the load.
Find something light-hearted to do. Go out with friends, watch a funny movie, read a whimsical book, or make a play date with your children.
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World by, Rae Thompson.
In view of all that is currently happening in the world, lightening up is a luxury that many can't afford. Yet, when we set aside our personal concern for situations beyond our control, we can focus our energy toward creating a Peaceful reality.
May you know and be Peace.
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Dear Friends of Peace,
I hope you experienced freedom from burdens resulting from lightening up. While easy to say, doing is the challenge. Challenges often represented by too many behaviors that are poor reflections of humanity.
When these challenges become overwhelming, consider practicing the:
"22nd Ripple of Peace: Sing songs of Peace.
Music is the language of the heart. The heart in turn is where Peace resides.
Allow your heart to sing of Peace. You can do this by singing others' songs of Peace or by writing and singing your own songs.
Sing in the shower, while driving your car or when or when doing the dishes or other routine activities. The repetition of the words and music serves to reinforce your experience of Peace.
Remember to sing wholeheartedly.
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World by, Rae Thompson.
Singing is a joyful expression that nurtures our mind, body and soul. An expression of joy that serves to affirm, Peace is possible, even if only on the personal level.
There are currently 8.1 billion people alive on Earth. If one percent (81 million) of these people sang songs of Peace throughout the day imagine the shift that might take place.
Don't be shy, "I'd like to teach the world to sing (In perfect harmony)" ...
May you know and be Peace.
***
Dear Friends of Peace,
For the believers among us, it is said that. "God doesn't care if we sing off key." The joyful expression of praise is what matters. For those too shy to sing out loud, humming is a great alternative.
Another option is to practice the:
"23rd Ripple of Peace: Write a poem of Peace.
Poetry gives voice to the soul. It seems to emanate from deep within us. Poetry can bypass our busy minds and express the simple truths known only to our hearts and souls.
Put aside any doubts you may have about your prowess as a poet and write a poem of Peace. Keep it simple, as though you were writing it for a ten-year-old child.
Consider sharing your poem with your family and friends. You may even choose to add it to birthday or holiday cards.
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World by, Rae Thompson.
An easy way to write a poem is to begin by listing things that might happen when you attain Peace. Visualize clear images that represent your sense of Peace. Imagine the aromas and flavors so you can smell and taste Peace. The act of thinking about writing a poem of Peace is a great work in and of itself.
May you know and be Peace.
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Submitted by Robert Wertz
District 5495 Peacebuilder Chair 2023-24
Dear Friends of Peace,
For many the notion that the flapping of a butterfly's wings could result in the creation of a tornado is a stretch. Admittedly, it took several years for me to accept this theory as based in fact.
The shift in my perspective occurred when I had a mind mending experience that altered my perception of reality. In case you are wondering, the experience was not a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
While reflecting on the experience, I realized this altered state of consciousness was a result of practicing the:
"20th Ripple of Peace: Meditate daily.
The primary purpose of most types of meditation is to give access to a higher level of consciousness. Some people describe meditation as a means of experiencing oneness with God or the Universe. Others talk about meditation as a way to calm the mind and attain an awareness of serenity, clarity and bliss.
There are numerous meditation traditions and dozens of meditation techniques, the majority of which involve concentrating on an object, a sound or word (mantra) or your breath. Regular meditation practice can enhance your ability to relax, increase your awareness, foster mental focus and clarity, and generate a pervading sense of Peace within you, both during and after your session.
Look into the meditation courses and centers in your area and select a meditation method that feels right for you. Sign up for a class or find a book that tells you what to do. Or go online to investigate your options.
The practice of meditation is not the source of the Peace we feel, it reveals the Peace that is already within us. Robert Rabbin
Peace comes within the souls of men (and women), when they realize their oneness with the universe. Black Elk
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World by, Rae Thompson.
For many the ability to quiet the mind during meditation is an elusive quest. For others the practice becomes as effortless as drawing in and releasing a breath.
The late Ram Dass is best known for his writings in, Be Here Now. A simple phrase that means, "If you place your attention on the present moment, you will experience a greater sense of Peace."
May you Be Here Now and Be Peace Now.
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