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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Thursday Thoughts...

Our capacity to make peace with another person and with the world depends very much on our capacity to make peace with ourselves. 
Thich Nhat Hanh

I think about this a lot.  It is pretty hard for me to actually, really influence world peace. I'm not in the UN, I'm not a conflict negotiator, I'm not in charge of any armed forces rebel or otherwise; and I'm not running the country. My contributions on a world stage are going to be very very diffuse and small.

So I think about where my sphere of influence is; where can I make a difference; how can I make a difference?

If I start with myself - trying to be more peaceful in my day to day activities, in my interactions and discussions and in my own thoughts. That's a start.

If I can expand this peaceful approach to my family and friends, to my relationships with others I come in contact with, then that helps as well.

If I can share peace through art and creativity, both locally and interwebedly, that also helps.

So I figure if I start with me, then what I bring to other people and other interactions will be better. And who knows how the ripples might flow out across the world?




Peace is every step is another favourite quote of mine by Thich Nhat Hanh, here it is overwritten and overwritten to reinforce its message.  It's luckily also in black and white as Jennifer and Julie continue their monthly colour search beyond the rainbow...

20 comments:

  1. the quote that I think about most often is from gandhi - 'be the change you want to see in the world' .... it's something that is echoed in the permaculture prime directive - 'take responsibility for your own existence and that of your children'--

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    1. So true Ronnie - it's always been a special one that one.

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  2. Fiona- this is a beautiful quote and discussion. I do believe that our efforts to live Peace and share Peace can ripple out into the world. Your artwork is exquisite!--Julie

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    1. Thanks Julie - it's about little steps and in small ways I think...

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  3. i like this quote, new to me. and i like the piece you made. really fine.

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  4. There is no doubt that your demeanour influences all around you. Just try smiling at a strager in the street...you always get one back.

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    1. So true Jo! When you send out a smile, you nearly always get one back - if you can be positive then it encourages others I guess. Certainly works the other way with down bringing others down... Smile!

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  5. Peace to you Fiona - lovely post

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  6. True thoughts... and nice piece for peace. I sometimes wonder what peace on Earth would really look like?

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    1. Good wondering Valerinna - it's hard to imagine in a way isn't it? I'll think upon that a bit more...go well.

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  7. Your work creates in me feelings of serenity, content and admiration. The sense that I will see in it new things every time I come back to it. And the irrational conviction that somewhere - a place hard to define or to be sure about - we connect. Isn't connection an ingredient of Peace?

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    1. Oh Ersi, that is so lovely. It's nice to think my work takes with it a sense of calm and serenity and that it reaches you - connects...a very important ingredient I think. Go well.

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  8. such a beautiful peaceful space to find in the cool of the night after a very hot day here in Sydney

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    1. Thanks Mo Crow - you surely sweltered beyond belief. It's nice the way the interweb can offer up little oases at times isn't it? I hope things are cooling for you...

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  9. I'm feeling the ripple from your corner of the world! Beautiful quote, reflections on it, and peace-themed work...

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    1. Ah Lisa - good to know the ripples can reach that far...

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  10. I know we can fill pretty helpless when it comes to the big gigantic wish for world peace.. I guess we can only control the peace around us.. and within...
    a peaceful new year to you.

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    1. Thank you Donna, it can sometimes be daunting, but then again if we work on peace within ourselves and around us we have made a beginning...

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I appreciate your thoughts and comments; thanks for taking the time.