BEing Peace

by Tess Marshall

Gandhi recommended that we “be” the kind of change we want to see in the world. We say we want the war to end yet we struggle daily in certain situations to remain peaceful. Time and time again we lose our peace over trivial incidents that only add to the turmoil in the world. When you feel powerless and can’t tolerate hearing about another dead soldier consider these small but powerful acts that will heal the war within and contribute to ending the war out there.

If you want to “be” peace you might want to consider doing the following:

If you have a need to be right, allow the other person to have the last word in an argument.

Replace self-hatred and loathing with self-love and acceptance.

Give up griping about the price of gas and choose to be grateful.

When you are tempted to gossip, bite your tongue.

Catch yourself complaining to anyone about anything. Then stop.

Instead of becoming angry in traffic when you are cut off, learn how to pause and breathe.

When you are tempted to be rude to the telemarketer, be kind and ask to be removed from the list.

Instead of holding a grudge when your friend doesn’t remember your birthday, mentally send her a blessing.

When you want to get even with your partner about anything, choose to let it go.

Instead of playing victim, think about your options.

When you become impatient while waiting in a line that is moving slowly, say a prayer.

Instead of keeping score when someone does you wrong, forgive.

If you are feeling resentment about unresolved childhood issues, seek help to resolve them.

When you get mad at a clerk because you misplaced your receipt and can’t get your money back, own it and get organized.

When you’re angry about missing out because you missed a deadline, admit you procrastinated and take action.

Stop whining about anybody or anything that has to do with politics. Choose to say a prayer and do a small anonymous act of kindness.

These are just a few examples. It might be helpful if you keep a journal for two weeks writing down things that cause you to give your peace away. You will notice a pattern emerge. We are all 100% responsible for our own peace. We are all 100% responsible for healing the world. It is easier to become fearful and blame others for wrong doing when we only need to look in the mirror. Take small persistent and consistent steps and begin to add more love to our world today. We often think there is nothing we can do. We are wrong. I invite you to become part of the critical mass of people that will someday change and heal the world!

Tess Marshall is a professional speaker and coach. Her book, Flying by The Seat of My Soul, can be ordered at www.tessmarshall.com.
616-460-6729.