
Peace isn't always easy, though, especially as it needs to begin with ourselves.
As I've emerged from being a very pain-filled and angry youngster to my present state of wishing nothing more than for every being on Earth to love and care for one another, my path has been anything but easy. Some days are still challenging. With few teachers of right and wrong, no guidance to speak of, I felt lost, confused, and always in search. I went through decades of being unhappy, struggling for it all to stop. Was I always skillful in return? Absolutely not! At times I was aggressive, rude, and very judgmental of others that didn't fit into my version of fancy. . There were many sufferings that needed reconciliation.
Somewhere in there I knew there had to be more, that peace and love were the light of the world, and that healing was possible. Perhaps it was my Oma sitting quietly in my heart, her example of helping others unconditionally, no matter the consequence, that gave me guidance and hope. Perhaps it was my Leo Lioness foundation, kingdom warrior with the biggest heart, that kept me going. Perhaps it was my attempt to flip the injustices I felt growing up or my depth-of-soul wish to connect with others as I felt too alone for too long. Whatever it was, it's all comes together to continually inspire me to somehow, somehow make this world a better place.
Peace is a deep practice and entails reconciliation of the heart. There are so many of us struggling needlessly out there. We forget that we are not alone. We forget that we are part of something SO much bigger than ourselves. As we go to war with one another, we've lost touch with the most intimate and precious part of our souls. We need to come back to the heart of the matter; to forgiveness, to kindness, to love and compassion. We need to put down the weapons of fear and instead look into one another's eyes and SEE the other person as being the same as you. I am no different than you are. We are not separate. When we close off, we shut down both sides.
Somehow find the strength and courage to stay open, to not fight, to simply stand with awareness. Just knowing what's happening can be much more powerful than reacting. It's okay not to agree with everything but let's first stop and develop understanding of what we are not agreeing with.
Peace in Oneself. Peace in the World. They are not mutually exclusive. If you would like to learn more or need support for your peace practice, please reach out. I am here to help.
With many blessings for peaceful days,
Shanti
Shanti Douglas
Mindfulness & Stress Management Coach
Shanti@8limbsHolisticHealth.com
603.228.9007