Several weeks ago I added a wooden
button to the contents of my pocket. I
threw it in along with my pocketknife, Chap Stick, and Kleenex. It’s an odd thing to add to a pocket
inventory, but you see, I have something I’d like to remember. Some time ago I was asked to prepare a short
lesson about peace for a multigenerational group. The day the lesson was given happened to be
only a few days following the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Given the expanse of the subject of peace and
the violence of the previous week, I found it difficult to come up with
something specific, without seeming trite.
I finally found myself pondering; what are actions that any person,
regardless of age, can do to further peace?
I presented
the group and myself with a two-part challenge:
·
First: become aware of your own reactions to
difficult situations. Then choose responses that will protect relationships
instead of reacting to your feelings in ways that harm others.
·
Second: look for the spark of humanity and the
sacredness of life in those around you whether they are family, friends, or
strangers.
This is,
indeed, a challenge for everyone. These
are not skills to learn in a week but rather a lifestyle to foster. To be conscious of our reactions and how they
affect others takes self-awareness and patience. To search for the common thread of humanity
even in those who do us harm involves vulnerability. To recognize the
sacredness of life in all people we come into contact with requires a willingness
to interact beyond the social norms. It may seem strange, to engage a culture
inclined toward violence with self-awareness, patience, vulnerability, and a willingness
to be affected by another. But perhaps
if we spread the habit of seeing those around us as people instead of faceless,
nameless shadows more of us will see that any kind of violence comes at much
too high a cost.
I encourage you to join me in my
simple-until-you-try-it challenge. Put a button in your pocket and every time
your fingers run into it remember: First, protect those around you by choosing
your own responses; and second, notice how wonderful life is in everyone you meet.
Just a reminder - I write this blog for Common Ground Conciliation Service based out of Boise, Idaho. If you're interested in learning more about this organization check out the website at http://commongroundcs.org.
