Established in 2002 1982, today is the United Nations’ International Day of Peace. As a lifelong pacifist and peace activist, I see today as another opportunity to take action. Being peaceful in the time of war and turmoil is a very courageous act and often counter to how we are told to act and to respond. Being a pacifist does not mean being passive – it requires action and courage to stand up to violence. One such group that I support is the Nonviolent Peaceforce, an international organization that trains civilians to go into conflict areas to prevent death and destruction and protect human rights. Other groups, such as Fellowship of Reconciliation and Christian Peacemaker Teams do similar work.
Perhaps the easiest route to peace is to find peace within yourself. My teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay), is well known for his statements and actions on peace. He tries to keep things real simple by encouraging us to come back to ourselves and learn to live in peace each moment of daily life. I have been honored to practice with Thay for the past decade and to learn the practice of true peace. As a spiritual leader in my community, I have been asked to share a few minutes at an InterSpiritual Service that is part of Living Peace in Ojai. Instead of talking about peace, we will practice peace by using the following exercise. As Thay has said, “Even in the midst of suffering, it is possible to bring our awareness to the good qualities within yourself and allow them to manifest in your consciousness. Practice mindful breathing to remind yourself of your Buddha nature, of the great compassion and understanding in you.”
Take a minute or two to find a comfortable position and allow yourself to follow each step in this exercise. Spend a few minutes on each segment.
Breathing in, I am aware that I am breathing in.
Breathing out, I am aware that I am breathing out.Breathing in, I am in touch with the energy of mindfulness in every cell of my body.
Breathing out, I feel nourished by the energy of mindfulness in me.Breathing in, I am in touch with the energy of solidity in every cell of my body.
Breathing out, I feel nourished by the energy of solidity in me.Breathing in, I am in touch with the energy of wisdom in every cell of my body.
Breathing out, I feel nourished by the energy of wisdom in me.Breathing in, I am in touch with the energy of compassion in every cell of my body
Breathing out, I feel nourished by the energy of compassion in me.Breathing in, I am in touch with the energy of peace in every cell in my body.
Breathing out, I feel nourished by the energy of peace in me.Breathing in, I am in touch with the energy of freedom in every cell of my body.
Breathing out, I feel nourished by the energy of freedom in me.Breathing in, I am in touch with the energy of awakening in every cell of my body.
Breathing out, I feel nourished by the energy of awakening in me.
May all beings be peaceful, happy, and free.