by blukatzen » Sun 17 Aug 2008, 02:12:46
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('mmasters', 'I') think we should try really hard to control and release our negative energy and help each other out, spread some more love about to try and balance things. I think each of us has an impact on the whole picture and as bad as it appears things are going we can be responsible to not feed the extreme downward spiral of life here further. Lack of responsibility played a major role in getting us here, taking responsibility is IMO the only way to get to better ground.
MMasters, I agree fully! I am descended on one part of my family from Mennonite roots, and they believed fully in advocating for Peace, that war only leads to more violence, more misunderstanding, and more hatred. These feelings came out of the wars fought during the period in Europe following the Black Death, the 30 years War, et. al., which did a lot to shape the mindset that fighting only leads to decimation.
In the culture that is part of the heritage, there are Hex signs, put on barns, houses, etc. that bring a good luck, if you will, that promotes what you would need, health for those within, prosperity, smooth sailing through life.
My avatar is done by a friend of mine, based upon another's work, but the 12 stars represent the 12 months of the year, and the hearts represent love and fulfillment. It has been in use since I felt that there was so much negativity on this list. It is meant as a quiet reminder to pass along good will, good wishes, and peace in your heart.
The attitude of fostering Peace as a lifeway begins with YOU. You must invite it into your life and see it as your only way, not as one who is sitting around singing "kumbaya" by any means, but one who strives to live in balance.
Harmony is achieved by recognition of that balance within your life. Believe me, there are plenty of struggles that rear their head before that balance can be achieved, and you will then move onto the next plateau where there is another challenge. It's an ongoing process to achieve this harmony within your life.
Peace is an active process, it's a lifeway. It's something to live with, to accomplish at each stage within your life.
In asking to attain it, I believe the Gods/Universe/Deity grant some portion of understanding in how to achieve this. Most of misunderstanding today is due to not being able to listen well, and to interpret or re-interpret what you *thought* you heard, or *thought* you read.
There are 2 things that accompany the ongoing work of achieving peace, and that is the cultivation of compassion shown towards yourself and others.
The other thing is Honor, and the understanding that there is a purpose to honor, to living in what has been described as "an Upright way" by some Shaman friends of mine from the Altai.
A good thing to cultivate as well, is Gratitude, the simple way of saying "thank you" for a kindness shown, especially if it is not towards yourself. It is important to show gratitude because you establish the worth of people, ideas and things within your life.
(and they should be I reckon, in that order.)
Just my thoughts. If you see me post and see that Avatar, and you need a shot of good will, take it from my signpost. I've taken it from the Universe, and will gladly share it around.
Go gentle!
Blu