Monday, April 04, 2011

A Season for Nonviolence Reflections - Week 10

"If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace." - Thich Nhat Hanh

When we can attain inner peace we can model what that looks like for others. We can become salt and light in a dark world. As Gandhi said, "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

One great master said that the kingdom of heaven is in our heart. He challenged people to step into this kingdom within and live transformed lives.

By making peace with ourselves and others we begin to let go of needless resentments and free our soul to enter into a better world. But, for many it is not easy to forgive oneself or others. It is easy to get trapped and suffer endlessly. Working through this struggle is essential.

By letting go of our resentments we forgive. Mourning what we cannot change can help with this endeavor. If we struggle with forgiving ourselves we can remember that we are not all-knowing. We are in process. We can see our shortcomings as simple opportunities to grow.

Once we are free of resentments we make room for happiness to enter into our lives. We can begin the art of cultivating happiness.

Practice:
This week slow down enough to breathe in life. Attempt to express peace in your thoughts and words. Tell yourself, "Today and always, I model peace by the way I live my life."

PHOTO CAPTION: "Photo Courtesy of Photos8.com."

6 comments:

Robin said...

Beautiful post Eddie. Your words and quotes are inspiring. I believe that harboring resentments keep us stuck and unable to move forward, even though hanging on to the hurts is sometimes all we know. Thank you for sharing a great insight and teaching.

Eddie Zacapa said...

Rasa - Thanks for the positive feedback. I'm glad that the post resonated with you. By the way, you have a wonderful blog yourself.

Li said...

Following; Rasz pointed the way here. Hope to have a look around your blog in the coming days. I think everyone, without exception, could use a little more peace and healing in their lives, including me.

Amanda Trought said...

Very inspiring saw your details on Rasz blog, so glad I stopped by. Been thinking more and more about the importance of appreciating and valuing every moment, and those relationships we have with others.

Eddie Zacapa said...

Li and Amanda,

Thanks for the positive feedback. I'm so glad that you are finding posts that resonate with you.

yaheu said...

nice post.. I read it CarefUllY..
good..

visit me,please.. Thanks..