“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
“Appearances Can Be Deceiving” February 28, 2010
Fifty years ago, a young Buddhist monk was forced into exile by invading Chinese armies. That monk, the Dalai Lama, spiritual leader of Tibet, soon grew into prominence as the symbol of love, peace and compassion for the entire world. He is the shining example of a human being completely devoid of anger, hatred or vengeful thoughts. He bears no animosity towards the Chinese, quite the contrary! He only feels love and compassion towards every one and every thing. Everywhere he travels, people by the thousands flock to his appearances just to be in his presence. Had he not been forced into exile, few, if any outside the remote country of Tibet, would have ever heard of him or had the opportunity to profit from his great wisdom. This is yet another example of how what appears to be a calamity actually may be a great spiritual advance for the entire world. From our limited human perspective, we do not have the power to judge what is ultimately good or bad. As we learn from such inspiring beings as the Dalai Lama, our vision becomes ever clearer and we are increasingly able to view everything as good and very good!
By Catherine Carriere, RScP Emeritus
“Imagination Is Everything…” February 21, 2010
“Imagination Is Everything; It Is the Preview of Coming Attractions” – Albert Einstein
Nothing is accomplished except through the power of imagination. Every piece of art, every piece of music, every book, and every invention is the product of someone’s imagination. Even the universe is the product of a divine vision. The form of government that we cherish was the product of the creative imagination of our forefathers. It is the faculty that places human beings above all other creatures. It is the supreme gift that we were endowed with when we were created in the image and likeness of God.
Now is the time in history where we can truly use the power of our imagination to create the world we have dreamed of…a world that works for everyone. For a moment, just picture in your mind a world of peace and harmony among all people and all nations; a world free from hunger and disease; a world based on the healing power of love. It is not an impossible dream; it is what we have the power to create as we consciously set our power of imagination to work. It is a great responsibility and a great privilege to recognize our God-given power to make the dream a reality as we commit to being the ones to bring about heaven on earth.
By Catherine Carriere, RScP Emeritus
“HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY Celebrating LOVE” February 14, 2010
“Love makes the world go ’round. Love makes the world go ’round.” These words to a familiar ballad carry, as so many songs do, a deep spiritual truth. Love is the energy behind all expression, whether it is the precise orbit of the planets around the sun, or that which causes the trees and plants to grow and the animals to flourish, and which inspires us along the spiritual path to the realization of the true meaning of life. We are here for a purpose, to express the qualities of that Love, Peace, Joy and Abundance of Spirit in every aspect of our lives. Just as the plant reaches toward the sun, so the spirit within us reaches toward that ineffable Light of Spirit, the Light which guides us to become ever more of what we were created to be. In this Season for Peace, we make the commitment to express that Divine Love in everything we think, say, and do, knowing that love begets love and the whole world is transformed.
By Catherine Carriere, RScP Emeritus
