Post for Peace
 

A place to post feelings, ideas, concerns, quotes and actions re: "Peace."

One of many reasons why I am a Creed Fan is their message/example re: peace. Particularly the lines..."There's a peace inside us all. Let it be your friend, It will help you carry on." Also, "It feels so good to reunite within yourself and within your mind. Let’s find peace there."

What does peace mean to you? What makes you feel peaceful? How would you like to see peace in your home, community, the world? What are some positive actions/words for a peaceful environment? Please comment on any, all or something related.

I think to achieve peace in the world, we all have to work on achieving peace within ourselves. It's not an easy journey, especially with all the outside influences trying to dictate to us what peace inside us really is. Most of it has nothing to do with what really matters.

I get so angry sometimes at what is shoved down our throats regarding peace and happiness. All those people trolling for our dollars try to tell us material possessions and conveniences will bring us peace. NOT. It's about people, not things. It's a simple concept but one that few in this country, IMHO, are willing to accept.

Peace for me means being true to myself and honest about who I am in this world, being able to look in the mirror and say I haven't sold out. I couldn't live with myself if I ever did what I consider selling out. I refuse to be categorized or pigeonholed and will never back down from what I think is real. Finding peace starts inside yourself. You can't be good to others until you treat yourself with respect and dignity. It grows from the inside out.

I'm probably not making much sense. Been a very long day and I'm getting tired.:D

Well said Dogstar!!! Makes total sense!!

Peace to me, well it means many things.....I find peace in simplicity, having people I love around me, good converstaion, and helping others. I have a stong desire to do helpful things for others, such as last year I organized a huge affair at work to send Christmas packages to Afghanistan for the soldiers fighting for our freedom and when I got a "thank you" letter back from them.... Well it really made me feel incredible to know what an effect it had on them:) I try really hard to do alot for others, that is where I find the most peace, because giving to others, time, energy and love I feel comes back to you ten fold!!!! I also find peace a lot in the outdoors, and animals, there is nothing better to be to go for a walk by myself and sit at a lake and with a pet with you and just "think" I love to be outside and I love to be alone a lot, (grew up as an only child) sometimes I take my portable Cd player and walk some where and just sit, and listen to music, THAT IS PEACEFUL to me. I relate soooo much to Creed's song Faceless man, gives me chills some times!!!!!;)

I struggle with feeling peace. The reason I have a difficult time achieving this feeling is because of all in this world that is so un-peaceful. There is just so much intense human and animal suffering going on all the time, every second, and it's so bad, that I just have a hard time feeling peace. I know people say that you can't dwell on those thoughts or you'll go crazy, and they're right, but for me it's easier said than done. I have just always been a very sensitive, compassionate person who feels others' pain, not just my own. And although I know being a very caring person is admirable, sometimes I wish I didn't care. It seems like things would be a lot easier.

Allison... I totally understand what you are saying! BUT you have to try and not focus on those things all the time! I know after 9-11 I eally had a hard time adapting, living in the "hot zone" worried all the time about war and terorism, then the sniper incident this fall where 2 people were killed 1 mile from where I work! Sometimes it is overwhelming to think about these things all the time. Everytime I go by and animal shelter I practically cry, wanting to free all the animals of impending doom! There are so many things that are so unpeaceful in our world, but you need to find the peace in yourself and focus on making that real! ;)

I know you are right, Jen. Sometimes I just feel like, what right do I have to have fun and feel carefree when there are so many people and animals suffering horribly. But I know that I really need to try harder not to let all the horrible stuff in the world get me down. It just feels like a constant weight on my shoulders. I guess I just need to try and force myself to not think about these things? I don't know?

I'm glad to have seen my own sentiments echoed in several of the posts above. Really, I am. Because I believe world peace is virtually impossible -- desirable, obviously, but nevertheless impossible. There are too many conflicting interests, too many differences in ideas. People sometimes hate each other over arguments they never realize they're on the same side of. I'd say I don't get it, but I do get it; it's "just one of those things" we have to learn to accept. To that end, I believe inner peace is the way. We might never achieve real world peace -- or worldly peace, as I think it should more appropriately be called -- but I think inner peace, when had by many, will bring us closer to worldly peace than we've ever been.

I agree, Read, inner peace is the way to start at least hoping for world peace. People who are hurting inside or angry sometimes take that out on others. That is apparent in things like 9-11 and other killing rampages, Columbine and the like.

Allison, I know what you mean about feeling that weight on your shoulders. As I said, it's no easy journey. I worry about a lot of things, too, but like Jen, I have a strong desire to help others and I figure if I can make my little corner of the world a better place, that maybe some of that spirit will catch on with others and they in turn will try to do the same. It has to start with each person.

The ironic thing is, for me anyway, it's the Columbine and 9/11-type stuff that makes me an angry person at all. I can't stand the logic of this world sometimes. It makes me so... so... thirsty, and I think I need a beer.

I'm buying, Read!!

Seriously, I agree with Jen & Dogstar, you can only do what YOU can do, you can't take on the entire world. If you make your little piece of the world a happier place, hopefully someone will carry that to their own corner of the world and so on and so on. If you can touch just one person and make them feel better, and then that person goes and makes just one other person feel better and it carries like a chain, you ARE doing something good for mankind. Sure beats the hell out of arguing, doesn't it?

Kind of like the movie "Pay it Forward!!!" Have any of you guys seen it?

No but it's on my list of movies to rent. I love Kevin Spacey. What was the premise of the flick, Jen?

Teri... All I have to say is get the kleenex READY!!!!!! Basically the movie is about a teacher starting an assignment of "Make a difference" and the boy goes to the extreme and starts this chain of pay it forward. Meaning do something good for some one and then that person has to "pay it forward" by doing something good for some one else, and so on. It is a REAL good movie, saw it once and cried, I want to see it again to catch those little things you always miss the first time you watch a movie. DEFINATELY GET IT TO RENT!!!!! You will not be dissapointed, I love Kevin Spacey too!

See, you just convinced me to watch this good movie and if I can learn from it, I'll pass it on. The next person I tell about it will hopefully watch and learn from it and so on. You can only worry about one thing at a time. Make those around you feel good and you'll feel good yourself.

Pay It Forward was an amazing concept for a movie, and an excellent idea for all of us to apply in real life.

Peace for me is a struggle to achieve and to keep. I know we all have had our share of trials, hardships, abuse, and what not... some more than others. but for me personally the hardships, trials, and abuse that I have suffered figure in Borderline Personality Disorder and Bi-Polar that I suffer from I have a very hard time finding peace and keeping it. There have been periods in my life when I acheived peace... then tragedy would strike and I'd lose all sense of peace. In those times of tragedy I try to hold on to peace as much as I possibly can. Medication, therapy, and Jesus Christ helps tremdously.

So beautiful you all!
Allison, I know what you mean, some days, I struggle too - the headlines, the words exchanged in classrooms and on the streets are overwhelming, but just posting this thread and reading all this good, makes me feel lighter and renews my battery. I so agree with DS, Jen, Teri and others that peace begins inside each of us - a seed of our inner truth of goodness that can be consciously radiated out to others, connecting wider circles of understanding through love and compassion. Without the stillness to find personal inner peace, I fear, as you mentioned Read, any hope for global peace. It is an inside-out job, not something that can be mandated or dictated. It can only come from a grassroots movement, like democracy has done in communist countries. But, being the perrenial optimist, I have not yet lost hope, for reasons that are kin to what Jane Goodall's book Reason for Hope cites..1) our intelligence and problem-solving abilities can be used for the good and we have a ccooperative nature, 2) there is a tremdous energy and committment from young people today that we can tap in to, 3) the indomitable nature of the human spirit makes all things possible. There are so many people who have dreamed seemingly unattainable dreams and, because they never gave up, achieved their goals against all the odds, or blazed a path along which others could follow.

Thanks Jen, for that great reminder of Pay it Forward. Tomorrow, let's see how we can pass a peaceful message and gesture forward; with those we know, as well as with strangers.

Well said, as usual, SD...You are the purveyor of peace!:)

Ha..kind words, DS, but I don't think the two boys in my third grade class today would believe that!!! ;) I just try to hang onto these thoughts and make little efforts. What else can we do. Well, I guess we could slip back, give up, lose hope and let go...but THAT IS NOT THE CREEDFEED WAY! We are passionate to the bone, our mission set in stone! We are strong, we are one. No backing us against a wall, for we know in our hearts that there is peace inside us all!:dancing:

Amen to that. It's just not in me to give up. Without hope you might as well pack it in.

The more you hold us down the more we press on!

Exactly! Being peaceful, doesn't mean being passive!
I am not talking about violent actions to address issues at all, it is just we need to be proactive and get off our rears - to speak and act on and for the Truth. ** softly plays Faceless Man, then blasts Freedom Fighter * *

Ohhhhhh, I'm going to have to hear some Creed before beddy-bye.:D

Life can hold you down when you're not looking up...

When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?
--Eleanor Roosevelt

When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.
--Jimi Hendrix

There can never be peace between nations until there is first known that true peace which … is within the souls of men.
--Black Elk

There's a peace inside us all, Let it be your friend
It will help you carry on in the end
--Creed

Great quotes Souldancer!!!!

All I have to say is CREED FEEDS MY SOUL!!!!!!! And that to me is the best peace of mind!:)

I have souldancer to thank for these quotes:

You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake. - Jeannette Rankin

A small group of thoughtful people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead

Amen to all of the above!

Oh, thanks Teri, I love that one....and in this case, the "group" = CreedFeeders!

Oh, thank Teri, I love that one....and in this case, the "group" = CreedFeeders! Will close with a big "H" on IMHO...

(PS - has anyone seen Lady V?)

<span style='color:darkred'><span style='font-family:century gothic'>"The most powerful possession you can own is an open heart. </span> </span>
<span style='color:darkblue'><span style='font-family:century gothic'>The most powerful weapon you can be is an instrument of peace." </span> </span>
Carlos Santana

I believe that we are in a constant state of changing the world as groups, but more importantly as individuals because we are a group of individuals. Strive to magnify and emit your positive vibrations: compassion, tolerance, love, and all the good stuff inside.

Indeed, Altair. Positive vibes are infectious.

;)

What do you do when you find days where the negative headlines glare in your face - the innocent are abused, those in power are corrupt, and the masses are apathetic? How can we easily find peace on these days? Or, maybe it isn't easy - and maybe it's just making the choice. (no, it was not a good week)

A couple of ideas:

1. Meditate and seek inner peace, the place where you are simply being the observer: without judgment, desire, or even emotion. While this may be only a temporary fix, it might help to calm that raging river. It might also help to give you a different perspective and a vision of the forest above the trees. Society's life and journey through time is one of ups and downs. Nature seems to always find balance. It's the eb and flow of the great wheel in the sky. It'll come back around. Perhaps things will get much worse yet as humanity continues to destroy Mother Earth, abuse itself, and indulge in gluttony. But, eventually, the tide will turn and our race will wake up in the dawning of a new day and ignorance will be replaced by enlightenment. Just enjoy the ride as it's meant to be.

2. Find a way to throw some peace and love around. Vounteer at a school (working with children can always bring a little joy and peace into one's heart) or something like that. Give. When we give, we create the peace we seek.

3. Take a nice drive, listen to some Creed, or find some other way to check out the good stuff in the world.

4. Feel the lack of peace, the pain, the pity, and those ugly parts of our soul that do exist. We cannot always shut them out. For, as these things glare us in the face, we must sometimes glare them in the face for what they are and go through this fire to get to the other side.

Some other suggestions, if I may. CALL A FRIEND. You know you have them, you know you have their phone numbers. You know they will always have a few minutes to talk to you. Get online and email them and pour out your feelings until you are exhausted. Don't fear that it will bring them down, feel the sorrow leave your body as you get it all out and away from you. I have even tried to open a new "word" document on the computer, type out everything that is bothering me until I can't type anymore. Then highlight the entire thing and just DELETE IT!! It's gone and it can't bother you anymore.

Go to the zoo to see some animals, pet that cat of yours, blast the Creed until the cops are called. And for GOD'S SAKE, turn OFF the television, throw away the newspapers and get away from the horrible headlines. Turn the news on about 10 minutes after it starts, that way you'll miss the sadness, pain and sorrow, and catch the sports and human interest stories.

<b>Some other suggestions, if I may. CALL A FRIEND. You know you have them, you know you have their phone numbers. You know they will always have a few minutes to talk to you. Get online and email them and pour out your feelings until you are exhausted. Don't fear that it will bring them down, feel the sorrow leave your body as you get it all out and away from you. I have even tried to open a new "word" document on the computer, type out everything that is bothering me until I can't type anymore. Then highlight the entire thing and just DELETE IT!! It's gone and it can't bother you anymore.</b>

WORD!

Teri and Dogstar are soooo right!!! Call a friend, believe me in times of need you find out who your "real" friends are! I listen to Creed and as goofy as it may sound I ALWAYS feel better! That band has such a hold on me, never realated to music quite like this before in my life!!!! I have even played music and never felt like this before, I played piano for years and years!!!!!!! And something about that awesome music and soulful voice that gives me a warm comfort feeling, like a warm blanket or cup of coa coa...*sigh*:)

Thanks so much for the helpful ideas and tools. What a great place this BB is - and what helpful friends you are! Hopefully, this thread can be a resource, if others run into those dark times. Feeling a lot lighter now. Needed to release that bottled up pain, did some crying, writing, and walking (while BLASTING MOP). I came across a nesting site of 30-40 egrets (waterfowl) nesting on trees along the river at dusk. Their beauty and peacefulness took me to that quiet place inside. Today I visited a friend and am getting back in midstream. Now, when I am stronger, I can do some of the giving back/service - and the perfect week to show gratitude. And, I am soooooooo grateful for all of YOU!:)

Right back at ya, babe. Glad to have you in my life! Please hang out for awhile!

Glad to hear you are coming around!! I believe in such a short time we all have made such an incredible bond!!! I never could understand, and I actually used to make fun of people who meet others on the internet, NOW I can see how a key board and some wonderful people can make your day! You guys are considered "my refuge" when the day gets rough and I want to relax!!! Yeah snowy igrets are breathtaking !!!! I have a lot of them around where i live as well as blue heron and bald eagles!:D

I am right there with you, SD. Reading this thread has given me some hope and I will try to find some peace although I know it will be (I hate to admit it) almost impossible. The only thing that ever gives me relief is when I force myself to push it all out of mind mind and IGNORE it. The ironic thing is, I detest it when people ignore injustices and thus do nothing to stop them. So when I ignore things to get relief I feel like I am selling out and am just like those people, but I guess if I do not ignore it all sometimes, I am bound to lose my sanity. If this makes ANY sense!