Praying for Peace
Is it terribly naïve to dream of a world without war? As I sit in the sunshine on my deck sipping tea while writing this post, bombs are falling on Ukraine. Approximately 3 million people have fled their homes, families are broken apart, thousands of precious lives are being lost. Around the world, fears of nuclear warfare are intensifying. Unlike the pandemic and natural disasters we’ve been enduring, humans are intentionally inflicting this immense suffering upon one another. The escalating situation and accompanying heartbreak are difficult to bear.
My father, who survived both the Holocaust and the front lines of the Korean War, wrote, “Our demons are as old as history, and our inner world has hardly changed over the past centuries.” He knew that our outer world reflects our inner world, and that the traumas humans inflict upon one another are passed down from generation to generation, perpetuating an unending cycle of violence and war.
My father was certain that the only way to change the course of history is to liberate ourselves from the ancient conditioning that perpetuates cruelty towards ourselves and others. He believed that life on earth will only thrive when we awaken to the knowledge that we are all completely interdependent. Just like the pandemic and climate change, this war is a clear reminder of the interconnectedness of all of life—the intimacy of sharing one planet. Countless threads connect the people protesting high gas prices in America to those fleeing their homes and dying in Ukraine.
While progress happens slowly and always includes some painful backward steps, this is clearly a pivotal time for humanity.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” I know that to truly be an agent of peace, I must bravely and honestly look within for the ways I judge and demonize others, or lash out in anger instead of feeling my pain. I must also perennially water seeds of love, compassion, and generosity.
Looking for light in the darkness, I’m finding the global outpouring of concern and generosity towards the people of Ukraine touching and heartening. I was just one of more than 56,000 people whose donations raised more than $20 million for the “Stand with Ukraine” GoFundMe campaign in its first week, which is a powerful use of social media. My hope is that witnessing the agony of this war so intimately will help raise compassion for all who are suffering similar tragedies, regardless of their nationality, religious beliefs or the color of their skin.
Calligraphy by Thich Nhat Hanh
My father often spoke about how tremendously contagious thoughts are, and that everyone is always connected energetically. In our Quest for Eternal Sunshine Circle of Light this coming Tuesday, we will tap into our shared divine energy for strength, healing and inspiration as we collectively send out blessings to all who are suffering and pray for peace. Please join us if you can.
I will leave you with these beautiful words by my exceptionally wise cousin—the renowned Buddhist author and teacher, Jack Kornfield:
As we move through this beautiful and troubled world,
may we vow to be a beacon of peace,
a fearless carrier of respect and kindness for all life,
a teller of truth, a voice for justice,
a protector of those who are vulnerable or targeted.
May the power of wisdom, integrity and compassion be our guide.
