There are so many negative influences in our world.  From simple disagreements to all out war and horrific acts of violence.  People from the very beginning of time have had conflicts with each other.  Sometimes, the two sides of diametrically opposing factions cannot come together and simply have a civil conversation.  We see this everyday.  What are we to do?

First of all, before doing anything, STOP.  Relax and breathe.  Slow down inner thoughts.  Try not to think at all.  Just sit.  Listen to the silence.  These actions alone will lower the heart rate.  Take time to think more clearly before speaking.

If you pray, pray.  If you meditate, meditate.  If you don’t do either, just think positive thoughts.  You don’t have to be religious to have positive intention.  Belief in God or a higher power is not necessary.  Just be who you are and do what makes you open to the possibility of peace.

When two people interact in hostile ways, the hostility grows with intensity.  Likewise, if the interaction is peaceful, peace grows in kind.  What kind of a world do we want to live in?  

Always, there are wars being waged and the ones who bear the brunt of the suffering are the most helpless and vulnerable of all.  But peace starts inside of each person.  It starts with people wanting to to find common ground where understanding can grow.  

It starts slow.  And we don’t like slow.  But there is no other way to grow peace.  It needs time to root.  It needs time, attention and nurturing.  It is hard work.

Each time we disagree, the work begins again.  Let us roll up our sleeves and get ready to work for peace.  We are worth it.  Peace is worth working for.  And it is the one thing that everyone, yes everyone, can be a part of in this life.  Now is the time.  There is no other moment but now.