Peace: Why it Shouldn't Be Only a Christmas Wish
A little girl attempts to make people "think God" in one of the
"Oh, God!" movies, starring George Burns. I wonder what would
happen if we applied the idea to "think peace"? To think "peace"
may neither be as glamorous as romantic love nor as energetic as
hatred or revenge, especially when revenge cloaks itself with
the attire of justice. Yet, there is no corner on earth where
peace is not needed.
Peace is the glue that holds together our personal and
collective psychological well-being. That is why we wish for
peace alongside with love and joy every Christmas. Then, why is
it that we let peace stay inside a Christmas wish only?
Once, a political science teacher said that, on earth, the
affairs of nations are very similar to the affairs of men.
Although these words were uttered decades ago, I still see the
wisdom in them. Like individuals, all nations believe that they
experience the world positively from their own point of view,
and they feel they are righteous in their actions. Like
individuals, each nation has and internal structure. Like
individuals, each nation is at a different stage of development
limited by the proportions of its own story. Like individuals,
each nation sometimes finds it difficult to feel empathy with
the other side. Yet, there is always the other side. This means
we need to change something in our perspective. For each time we
change something in our perspective and understanding, we will
take another step toward peace.
If for years the mighty has looked down upon the weak, isn't it
in human nature for the weak to hurt the mighty, given the
slightest chance? For example, wasn't it common practice for our
beloved Hollywood to portray the citizens of weaker nations in
clichés, as dull, idiotic, crooked or anything negative one can
think of?
Shouldn't we change our perspective in all areas where we are
pointing fingers at others, be it with anger, be it with scorn,
be it with disapproval? People we accuse or ridicule do not
represent the biggest problem. The problem, most often, lies in
the fact that we accuse others without truly examining
ourselves. If a nation does not back our undertaking in any one
area, does it stop being our friend? Why is it always my way or
no way? Why do we allow mental conflicts to break up our
relationships and our spirits? Peace is heavenly but it is also
fragile. Everyone deserves to be treated with tenderness, but we
forget this fact when we disagree strongly.
Is the change in perspective and understanding enough? No, it
is only the first step, yet a step nevertheless. Peace is not an
abstract possibility; it can be done because we as human beings
do not lack compassion, but sometimes in our materialistic
trance, we unknowingly avoid it. When peace -- in a personal or
collective way and without seeking to dominate the world--
becomes our greatest aim, we can create miracles with human
imagination and effort. First, we have to learn to forgive, not
only to forgive others but also ourselves.
We have to forgive ourselves for accepting material values over
those that elevate the human spirit. We have to forgive
ourselves for backing the evildoers at one time when that meant
material gains for us. We have to forgive ourselves for looking
the other way when injustice was exercised. Then, we have to
forgive others for whatever negative feelings they foster toward
us. Plus, we have to learn from past mistakes and not repeat
them. Moreover, we have to open our hearts to human suffering.
Living inside a magnificent palace or country while others
outside are dying of hunger is not conducive to peace.
We can utter the word peace repeatedly or chant it like a
mantra, but no mantra will move us forward if we close our eyes
to the rights, to the experience, or to the inexperience of
others. For peace, we must forgive repeatedly. For peace we must
cherish insistently, not only those close to us but also those
who are far. For peace, we must learn to search the truth inside
each event. For peace, we must recognize everyone and put on
display and respect the distinctive talents and brilliance of
each nation. For peace, we must learn to find pleasure in
others' achievements as well as in ours. For peace, we must see
ourselves as belonging to the wholeness of human community
before belonging to any one nation or group. For peace, we must
surround the world with such love that fear and hatred will
never have an opportunity.
At this time in human civilization, we are at a turning point.
At this time, we have the chance to have love and brotherhood
form the basis of our existence instead of our habitual money
and power games. At this time, we have the opportunity to change
the entire human culture into one that accepts peace. At this
time, we have to embrace peace because history is daring us to
go for it.
About the author:
Joy Cagil is an author on a site for Creative Writing
(http://www.Writing.Com/) Her training is in foreign languages
and linguistics. In her background are varied subjects such as
humanities, mental health, women's issues, and visual arts. Her
portfolio can be found at
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