Peace is not the absence of conflict. This is one of the biggest misconceptions — that a peaceful life is a life WITHOUT any conflict.
On the contrary, conflict teaches us about peace. Conflict teaches us to stay in our center and handle the conflict in a peaceful manner.
When there is a conflict in our lives, be it with ourselves or with others, often we may feel irritated, disappointed, quick-tempered. Yet this is precisely what conflict teaches us — to not give in to these emotions and reactions.
It is perfectly normal to feel these emotions. To deny ourselves of the opportunity is to deprive ourselves of the human experience.
Yet when conflict shows up in our lives and we feel these emotions, we have the chance to first, honor and acknowledge these feelings; then take a step back; and finally, choose the way of peace. It’s not necessary to let the irritation or disappointment get the better of us. When we do, we end up saying or doing things we’d regret later on.
Conflict gives us the opportunity to sharpen our conflict management skills, to master our emotions, to respond rather than react, and to think, act, and speak out of our Divine Consciousness.
The way of peace is through conscious evolution. It is love in action. It is based on a leap of consciousness. ~Deepak Chopra, Peace Is the Way
According to the ancient Vedic texts, you will know you are living the way of peace when three things are present:
Seva: Your actions harm no one and benefit everyone.
Simran: You remember your true nature and your purpose for being here.
Satsang: You belong in the community of peace and wisdom.
In his book, Peace Is the Way, Deepak Chopra, bestselling international spiritual teacher and author expounds on these principles and how we can live the way of peace. He explains how we can expand our awareness, stop reacting out of fear, and reject war—one person at a time. As Dr. Chopra says, “Violence may be innate in human nature, but so is its opposite: love. The next stage of humanity, the leap we are poised to take, will be guided by the force of that love.”
“There is no way to peace, peace is the way.” ~ A.J. Muste
The Season for Nonviolence Daily Reflection today talks about EDUCATION and how we can learn about the power of nonviolence by educating ourselves.
May Peace Is the Way be one way that you can educate yourself about living nonviolently, especially as we celebrate the The 15th Annual Gandhi-King Season for Nonviolence Jan. 30 to Apr. 4, 2012.
शान्तिः śāntiḥ Shanthi Namaste.
# # #