Embodying Peace in Times of Change by Leela J. Williams

Peace is often imagined as something distant – a hard-won reward at the end of life’s journey. What if peace is not something we discover in our future, but something we can know here and now?

Peace is not confined to meditation cushions or quiet moments alone. It can be lived in your thoughts, your relationships, your workplace, your family, and in the way you move through the world. Wherever your journey begins, the effects of peace tend to grow and ripple outward.

The following excerpt from Peace Oracle explores eleven ways to engage with peace, not as an abstract idea, but as a way of being:

1. Peace is active. Peace is often equated with images of solitary meditation or quiet repose. Restful time out can be valuable, but it is not to be confused with peace. Peace is about community, connection, and action.
2. Peace is not exclusive. Peace is equally available to you and your enemies. There are no restrictions.
3. Peace is mutual. Finding peace makes your whole world better. It doesn’t lift anyone above anyone else. Peace cannot be had at the expense of another. Peace seeks equality.
4. Peace is patient. There is no rush, hard sell, or last chance offers with peace. It will be waiting for you, no matter how long it takes you to get there.
5. Peace respects boundaries. Peace might inspire you out of your comfort zone and give you the confidence to try new things. It will never pressure, coerce, manipulate or goad.
6. Peace speaks out. Peace does not jump to conclusions or make rushed accusations. Nor does it turn from injustice. It speaks out, and it listens. Peace questions and is open to questions in return.
7. Peace is engaged. Peace uses actions and language to uplift, protect and nurture. It listens actively. Even its quiet is an act of care. Peace has no interest in guilt, name-calling or shame — even in jest.
8. Peace has powerful allies. Peace knows itself as honest, confident, accepting, compassionate, kind, assertive, informed, valuable, and empowered. Peace encourages these qualities in others.
9. Peace is practical. Peace is not interested in empty platitudes or thoughtless reactions. Peace responds with interest and consideration. It gives solid, useful, meaningful advice and contributes to long-term solutions and relationships.
10. Peace is informed. It opposes ignorance with knowledge. Peace pursues expert advice, checks its references, and respects its sources. Peace does not act on or repeat information unless it is confident of its value.
11. Peace knows itself. It is uninterested in the judgments of others. When the lights go out, and all is quiet, peace is content in heart and mind.

Read through the above paragraphs, replacing ‘peace’ with ‘love’. Receiving either of these wonders is a blessing. Giving of yourself and being received can be an even greater blessing.

Peace Oracle by Toni Carmine Salerno and Leela J. Williams is published by Blue Angel Publishing and available from Tarotopia. To purchase, please go to: https://www.tarotopia.com.au/product-page/peace-oracle