Submitted by Robert Wertz
District 5495 Peacebuilder Chair
Dear Friends of Peace,
Now that we have become advocates for nonviolence, consider practicing the:
105th Ripple of Peace: Organize a Peace project
Some things are easier to do with others. Plus, it can be fun to work for a common cause with people we care about.
Organize a meeting with friends, co-workers, neighbors, and others who share your passion for Peace. Explain your desire to contribute to some way to Peace in your community or regional area and solicit ideas for projects from everyone.
Be sure to follow up on what the group decides.
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World, by Rae Thompson
May you know and be Peace.
***
Dear Friends of Peace,
Now that we have organized a Peace project, consider practicing the:
106th Ripple of Peace: Seek to understand the underlying causes of unrest in the world
Sometimes the reasons for unrest are plainly evident. At other times there are contributing causes that are much less apparent. Our prospects for Peace, both locally and globally are directly proportional to our ability to understand these underlying problems.
Identify a situation involving unrest or violence that interests you, in your community, the nation, or the world. Then research the issue.
Start with a "beginner's mind" by setting aside any opinions you may already have about that situation. Listen to what people on all sides of the issue have to say. Look into the historical development of the conflict. Consider the viewpoints of experts on this situation and related topics. Use alternative as well as mainstream sources of information. Be aware of destructive patterns of belief and behavior over time, as well as possible strategies for Peace.
Imagine yourself walking in the shoes of all involved parties. Form your own opinion, without placing blame on any person or group, about the underlying causes of the situation you have studied.
Use your knowledge to work for Peace.
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World, by Rae Thompson
May you know and be Peace.
***
Dear Friends of Peace,
Now that you have a better understanding of the underlying causes of unrest in the world, consider practicing the:
107th Ripple of Peace: Be a consumer and investor for Peace.
In this country we have countless options for how we spend and invest our dollars. The shear enormity of possibilities means that putting our money where our hearts are can be both simple and complex. While the actions themselves are simple, the research and choices required to determine which actions to take can involve considerable time and attention.
Be a consumer and investor for Peace by buying the products and stocks only of the companies that adhere with your ideas of Peace. You may, for instance, choose to support only those businesses that have humane working conditions, are environmentally friendly, demonstrate ethical management, or that have no connection to weapons or health hazards.
Make a list of business practices that you choose to support. Then research the companies from which you are thinking about buying products or stock.
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World, by Rae Thompson
May you know and be Peace.
Robert
108th Ripple of Peace: Believe in world Peace.
The consciousness of an individual is composed of that person's beliefs, assumptions and personal experiences in life. The collective consciousness on the planet is made up of the combined consciousness of its inhabitants. As science is beginning to demonstrate, the interaction between our individual and collective consciousnesses is automatic and instantaneous. In other words, we are both influenced by and contribute to the consciousness, and the subsequent conditions, of the world.
Fortunately, there is growing evidence that a small group of committed people, known as critical mass, can affect the consciousness and behavior of multitudes. What would happen if enough of us were able to replace our belief in war and violence with an unwavering belief in Peace? How many of us would it take to shift the primary worldview from its tendency toward violence and to the probability of Peace?
Practice believing in Peace. Each time you find yourself thinking or speaking of violence or from anger, fear or retribution, make a conscious choice to shift your thoughts and words. Think instead of Peace. Speak from Peace. Maintain a consciousness of Peace.
You may be the one that tips the scale toward Peace on earth.
From Ripples of Peace: 111 Ways You Can Help Create Peace in the World, by Rae Thompson
May you know and be Peace.
Robert