“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one.” [John Lennon]
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.” [Jimi Hendrix]
Cecilia Hughes, Social Media Coordinator
Christmas 2008. Peace of Mind.
Finding that “peace from within” has been tough this year. With the economy in recession and so many people out of a job, my peace of mind has become a luxury – the one gift most wished for, yet most elusive. Normally I revel in the traditions of the holidays and the nostalgia that the season brings. But this year I have been more anxious about the future than ever, and sometimes have felt adrift…I have been worrying about my families’ health and welfare with my oldest brother suffering a major stroke, and my father in-law fighting cancer. And several of my family members have lost their jobs due to the recession…Peace of mind seems to have become a causality in 2008.
But then I think of my son Oliver spending Christmas in Africa this year, serving in the Peace Corps. Fortunately we have had the opportunity to talk and E-mail frequently. He tells us of the abject poverty where he lives, and the pervasive corruption throughout much of Africa. Yet Oliver is determined to make a difference, to be a part of the solution. He knows he isn’t going to change the world, but still works towards helping change one small part of it. His peace of mind remains unaffected by his circumstances, and through his brave example I have gained back a little of my own inner peace at this challenging time. I appreciate the idea that even a pebble tossed in a lake will make waves and exacts some change.
So that is what peace means to me this 2008 Holiday season – gaining back peace of mind and remembering that we all can make a difference. The Holidays should be a time to be thankful and reflect on what waves we can make in our own little part of the world. How we can give back for all that we receive. I thank all my Family for their courage, strength and perseverance this year, helping to remind me what is really important.
David Borzo, Blog Writer, Artist, Historian and more
Photo courtesy of The Way
PEACE
Behold, it comes in might,
The power that is not power,
The light that is in darkness,
The shade in dazzling light.
It is joy that never spoke,
And grief unfelt, profound,
Immortal life unlived,
Eternal death unmourned.
It is not joy nor sorrow,
But that which is between,
It is not noght nor morrow,
But that which joins them in.
It is sweet rest in music;
And pause in sacred art;
The silence between speaking;
Between two fits of passion –
It is the calm of heart.
It is beauty never seen,
And love that stands alone,
It is song that lives un-sung,
And knowledge never known.
It is death between two lives,
And lull between two storms,
The void whence rose creation,
And that where it returns.
To it the tear-drop goes,
To spread the smiling form
It is the Goal of Life,
And Peace — its only home!
From a letter to Miss MacLeod, 26th December 1900
Composed at Ridgely Manor, New York, 1899.
“The Light Shines in the Darkness…”
A candle
set upon a hill
for all the city to see
the railway man’s lantern
breaking through the night mist
signaling all is well
for the journey
a shooting star
or the first rays of dawn
breaking a dark night’s spell
the sun
edging through storm clouds
and a rainbow’s “yes” to life
a porch light
its welcoming glow
inviting the stranger
to feel at home
a lighthouse beam
dispelling danger
pointing toward safe harbor
a kind hello
a friendly wave
a hearty gesture
all unexpected treasure
a glimpse of heaven
a touch of earth
a hint of smile
a surprising guest for the extra mile
“…and the Darkness cannot overcome it.”
- Reverend David Johnson Rowe
Peace is
Reading with my children
Laughing with my husband
Walks with my dog
Quiet conversations with friends
Paula Tommins, Director Client Development
Peace is…
Prayer and thoughtful repose…
Peace is…
Everything mindful of the greater good…
Peace is…
Absence of stress, especially after a good “sigh” or walking alone in the snow with nothing but the sound of your feet…
Peace is…
Calmness and contentment felt during a morning sunrise at the beach (or even when your kids are all home under one roof, yet the only sound is the hum of their voices)…
Peace is…
Everyone’s positve energy coming together…
Peace is…
Goodwill to all!
Composed by Julie Dolan, Vice President
A lot of people feel that December is the time to give. I personally feel giving should be a part of each and every day of our lives. Not (only) by giving money, but by ‘giving’ just a couple of minutes to someone who needs it. A phone call, a knock on the door, a hug, an email, a facebook message, it can mean so much!
I befriended my 90 yr old ex-neighbor by simply taking the time to have a cup of tea with her. Not because I pitied her, but because I saw the feisty lady she’d always been and still is. A lonely soul at this moment in time, because she outlived her husband and most of her friends.
I’d like to dedicate this post to her by sharing this site with all of you: http://www.wisdombook.org/
Let’s celebrate growing older gracefully, let’s say thanks for gained wisdom and live our lives to the fullest, enjoy!
Nicoline Deen
Director, Business Services
Here is yet another great charity started by former President Jimmy Carter. The Carter Center: Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope! More here.
