“The Seeds for Permanent Peace have been sown” April 4, 2010
This Sunday is the culmination of this year’s 64 day observance of A Season For Peace. It is appropriate that this is also the day when we celebrate Easter, the resurrection of the man known as the Prince of Peace. We all yearn for true peace in the world—the peace that Jesus called the peace that passeth all understanding—the peace that is so much more than an absence of conflict. Yet few of us are in a position where we feel that we can create major change. However, in the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, “If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, then not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work.” As each one of us cultivates peace in our own heart, we bring about a shift of consciousness throughout the planet. Never underestimate the power of an individual to bring about change. When we join together in the intention to create positive change, there is no limit to what we can achieve. There is so much power in knowing that the seeds for permanent peace have been sown, that a whole new era is coming about right here and right now!
By Catherine Carriere, RScP Emeritus
“Creating a World That Works for Everyone” March 28, 2010
Sometimes as we read the news or watch it on television, it is easy to believe that the dream of peace on earth is indeed an impossible dream. At these times let us remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi who said, “When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fail. Think of it….ALWAYS.” He also admonished us to be the change that we wish to see in the world.
As we continue to walk the spiritual path, let us be forever vigilant in observing our thoughts and reactions to the world around us. As we center our minds on love and compassion toward all beings, we see the change that we so fervently desire taking place throughout the planet. Our minds are so very powerful and constantly creative. As we become centers of peace, love and compassion that is what we see reflected in everyone and everything. The time has come for us to take our place on the leading edge of change. Together we create the world that works for everyone, a world of peace and love and joy.
By Catherine Carriere, RScP Emeritus
“Peace Is Seeing the Divine In Each Other” March 21, 2010
“If you see God in each other, there is love for each other, then there is peace.” These words of Mother Teresa remind us to look beyond our human foibles and realize that every one we meet is an expression of the One Life we call God. When we truly see the Divine in each other, we can feel compassion for anyone who has forgotten momentarily who and what he or she truly is. We are all spiritual beings having a human existence. Sometimes we forget this and allow our very humanity to get in the way of living the life we were born to live. When this happens, we need to have compassion for our self as well as for others. Sometimes it is easier to forgive others for their mistakes than to forgive ourselves. To expand on the words of Mother Teresa, when we see God in each other and in our self and feel love and compassion for each other and for our self, we are creating peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
By Catherine Carriere, RScP Emeritus
“Planting the Seeds of Peace Within” March 14, 2010
There are so many ways that we may individually and collectively contribute to bringing lasting peace to the world. Nobel Prize recipient Wangari Maathai set an example of one way with her tree planting campaign in Africa. She saw how conflict often arises when people experience lack of the fundamental needs in life, things such as food, clean water and shelter; things that are lost to vast areas due to the destruction of forests. Replacing the trees lost to deforestation, therefore, becomes a road to peace. In the same way, planting the seeds of peace within our hearts today will benefit generations to come. As we nurture those seeds in everything we do, feel, think and say, we know that we are joining millions of others throughout the world who also are dedicating themselves to sowing the seeds of peace. Never question the power for good that you are. Never succumb to the temptation of thinking, “But I am only one person. What can I do?” Remember that whenever you join with others in pursuit of a common goal, all the power in the universe is available to you. Let us join today with St. Francis who prayed, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” and know that it is done.
By Catherine Carriere, RScP Emeritus
“Eschewing the Fisherman’s Hook!” March 7, 2010
“Anger or hatred is like a fisherman’s hook. It is very important for us to ensure we are not caught by it.” Dalai Lama
As we contemplate the world today, we see so many examples of the results of being caught up in anger and hatred. Individuals and nations find themselves at war because they have allowed themselves to get caught by the fisherman’s hook. Until we learn non-violent communication wherein each party is able to clearly state what it is that they need, confident that they are being heard, it would seem that conflict is inevitable. If we are to ever experience peace (true peace and not just the absence of conflict), it is necessary that each individual develops peace and compassion in his or her own heart. Peace does begin within each of us. We can learn to practice these qualities in every aspect of our life. Instead of reacting in anger at the driver that cuts you off, or the clerk that is surly, for instance, we can practice a compassionate response, realizing that that individual or those individuals are probably experiencing a need that is not being met, a feeling of not being heard.
By Catherine Carriere, RScP Emeritus
