I was reading an article by Steve Killelea, Chairman of Institute for Economics and Peace the other day; see economicsandpeace.org and want to quote something he said: “Sanskrit has 108 words for Love. Islam has 99 names for God. Japanese has 14 words for Beauty. We have 1 word for Peace . . . We don’t have enough words to accurately describe the different types of peace. Socrates once said if you don’t have words to describe something, how can you think about it?” After reading this, I looked up at a plaque hanging on the wall above my desk.

At the top of the plaque is the word PEACE. Underneath this word are nouns, verbs and interjections describing Peace. I’m including all of them to help us further understand what Peace is by giving us enough words. As you read through these words, take your time, go slowly. Use this as an exercise to awaken the peace that’s possible here and now in you and the world through the Generative Operating Design of the universe. Take a deep breath. Take another deep breath and another and now slowly contemplate Peace, often described as . . .

Harmonious – Blissful – Joyful – Comforting – Tranquil – Calm – Hopeful – Balanced – Serene – Loving – Spiritual – Inspirational – Pure – Affirming – Uplifting – Quiet – Kind – Friendly – Clear – Still – Heavenly – Sublime – Soothing – Relaxing – Restful – Reverencing – Illuminating – Aware – Beautiful –  Forgiving – Accepting – Appreciating. . .

How we arrive at the goal of Peace is described by the above words and the inner dispositions through which they are created. Which ones stand our for you and draw you to themselves? Give attention to them and hold them in your heart, mind and hands. In this way, over time, you’ll be able to integrate them into your daily operating system. Learning is experiential and repetitive so if you repeat the words that have chosen you to be with them repeatedly, you’ll begin to become them. Continually bring awareness to the two or three that are most resonant with your Inner Being.

Peace is a practice, a presence within that you can experience. When you become still, calm, relaxed and receptive you can drop from your busy calculative mind into the quiet mind of great peace. It takes practice because most of us are not used to this way of being, belonging and becoming. To be at peace we have to stop the chatter to access the inner sanctuary that’s always here. From this space everything changes and rearranges. The following are some closing thoughts by The Peace Pilgrim from many years ago. See peacepilgrim.org.

“A few really dedicated people can offset the masses of out of harmony people, so we who work for peace must not falter, we must continue to pray for peace and to act for peace in whatever ways we can. We must continue to speak for peace and to live the way of peace to inspire others; we must continue to think of peace and how that peace is possible. What we dwell upon we help bring into manifestation. One little person giving all of her time to peace makes news. Many people giving some of their time can make history.”   And so it is . . .

• Before you leave this page, care enough to return to the above list of words for Peace and allow two or three of them to draw you to themselves. Then plant them in your consciousness so you can return to them repeatedly over the next few days, weeks, months and years. While in this practice, monitor your ability to short circuit the non-peaceful inner prompts that arise by simply realigning with the ‘peaceful power words.’ Practice Peace with every thought.
• When you find yourself in times of trial, come home within to the inner Peaceful Presence. Allow your ‘peaceful power words’ to guide you into this space of grace and give thanks. . .
• Remember to Remember who you Truly Are and let go of who you’re not. Allow Peace to become an action verb in your life to heal all inner and outer strife beginning with You. . .
• Know that Life is a Blessing. Allow the Depth of this Truth to inspire greater Peacefulness.