peace

Peace is such a beautiful word and feeling.  At times, it can also feel daunting, like an unattainable dream for the planet.  There is so much war and violence going on in the world.  At times, I feel overwhelmed and powerless.  How can I stop a war going on in the Middle East or Africa?  How can I stop the violence going on in cities around America?!  I almost give myself an anxiety attack just thinking about it. Then I remember that I can create peace in the world by creating peace within myself and those with whom I interact daily.  If I can accomplish peace within myself and the people who I connect with every day, that is a huge feat in and of itself, and that is how peace will trickle out to the world.
Think about it.  We are our own harshest judge.  We judge ourselves for a million and one reasons!  I get down on myself if I eat sugar, have a smoke or drink too much.  Even when I tell myself that I am going to do something and then don’t, my inner critic jumps in.  Can you relate?  You may look in the mirror and say to yourself, “Ugh, I don’t like my body. I’m too short. My feet are too big.”  All of these inner judgments create a mini-war within you.  A duality.  An inner struggle.  If you can begin to recognize your self-judgment, you can begin to create a peaceful habitat within yourself.  Love and accept ALL of you!  That is how one can contribute to creating peace on the planet.
I wrote two weeks ago of finding acceptance for myself when I realized that I was eating my feelings as I shoved a cupcake into my mouth.  It is great to be present and have that realization, but peace within goes beyond recognizing what actions you are performing in the moment.  It is being DEDICATED to a peaceful way of living.  It is Making choices that are not harmful to your body that can create a polarity inside of you.  It is taking responsibility for your actions so that the inner critic doesn’t pop up and create strife within you.  I like to think of my body as it’s own universe.  How do I want to feel?  What thoughts, food and daily movement help my “universe” to flourish, thrive and radiate peace and love?  What actions generate peace, love, kindness, and compassion within myself and those around me?  And when the self-judgments pop up, embrace them with open arms.  Take a moment to connect with yourself, feel the emotions that are coming up, take your shoulders down away from your ears and breathe.  Notice what lesson is coming up to be learned.  Behind every judgement, there is a beautiful need yearning to be seen.
There are times when I am in my car and yelling at the person in front of me who is driving as if he is in a parade. I lose patience while standing in a checkout line, or argue with a family member.  If I don’t get into a disagreement with my sister during one of our visits together, then that is peace being created!  Being able to connect in a harmonious way is a victory for me, for her and for the planet.  Finding love for one another and acceptance of who each other is, that my friends, is peace!  If I cannot get along with or cannot find a connection with people that I encounter throughout my day, how can I expect anyone else to live with peace, love, and compassion?  Let alone entire countries!
I love knowing that peace begins with me and that I can do my part by creating peace within myself and with those that I engage with on a daily basis.  It is not always easy, but it feels good to know that peace is attainable. How does one do this you may ask? Love and accept ALL of you, your actions and your physical and emotional bodies!  Think of your body as a mini-universe and be dedicated to choices that are harmonious and peaceful rather than polarizing and conflicting.
The next time you catch yourself thinking something “negative” about yourself, stop and think of one thing you love about you. Maybe it’s your eyes, your smile or your left pinky toe. Whatever it is, the more you do this, the more you will create a harmonious environment within and radiate peace and love out into the world.  You will then begin to get the reflection of peace and love back in your own life.

LOVE AND LIGHT

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