CHOOSING FOR PEACE
APRIL/ MAY 2002
“Peace of mind is clearly an internal matter. It must begin with your own thoughts and then extend outward. It is from your peace of mind that a peaceful perception of the world arises…” ACIM Workbook Page. 51
The many events happening in the world today has my thoughts focused on thoughts of
Peace. So much that is being said about “peace”, somehow implies that it is the opposite of, and a remedy to war. It seems to be assumed that through some political action/negotiation a state of “peace” can be achieved. The history of this world makes it very easy to recognize that this type of peace does not have permanent benefits. Because it does not last. It may put a big clearly seen bandage on the wound but it does not heal the damaged areas or prevent the scars of un-forgiveness in peoples’ minds. This type of peace has never brought mankind into a state of unconditional love and acceptance; has never allowed the boundaries of trust to be expanded rather than restricted; nor allowed a greater joining rather than greater separation. This type of “peace” is not peace but a truce, a temporary cessation of killing, while the possibility of other options are explored; because the “cost” of one side winning may be to high for either participant to benefit. A truce is more preferable than war, but it is still not peace.
So I have been exploring the concept of Peace. I call it a concept because I don’t believe that in this world there has ever been a true memory of experiencing what Peace is. According to A Course in Miracles, Peace can’t be experienced outside of ourselves until it becomes a belief that is held in our mind. If Peace of mind is an internal matter and our minds project thoughts that reflect on our world, what madness is going on inside of our collective mind consciousness? Is this world we see, in this present moment, what we really want to experience? Are our collective minds so full of division, fear and separation that our world has become a place of victims and perpetrators, each taking on a role, that ensures that each participant will be rewarded with the effects of hate; rage; and chaos? Or have we just fallen asleep to the power of our individual/collective thoughts? Have we forgotten that in Creation, God created all of his children, “In His likeness and Image”, and blessed us all equally with everything abundantly? Do you think that maybe we want to wake up to the truth? You might want to say, “Well Danielle, this world is an illusion anyway, so why do I need to be concerned about the appearance of this world?” I agree that this world is an illusion. But your beliefs about this world are real and, because of your abilities to project and create, have resulted in effects. Your beliefs have joined others in manifesting this world. Beyond this world, you take your thoughts and belief systems with you. Whatever you hold in your mind becomes a condition for what you will experience even beyond time.
Have we forgotten the words of Jesus the Christ who promised a “peace that passeth” all understanding, for those who love God? By the term God I am not emphasizing or endorsing a religious concept of a Supreme Presence in the Universe. I believe that what this presence is called is a preference but what this presence is, is a reality… a reality of unconditional Universal love and Eternal Peace that extends far beyond any religious or philosophical dogma. I believe that this love and peace is available for each person willingly to receive these conditions as part of their living.
But what is the Peace that Jesus Christ spoke of? I believe it is a state of mind that holds no fear because it is assured of God’/The Universes’ love and support both individually and collectively. In this state of mind there is only love, beauty, joy, oneness and wellness in all our affairs. I believe that we all want a continuous experience of this peace. So how can we live our lives with an intention of peace?
“If you want peace, you must give up the idea of conflict entirely and for all time…” ACIM text pg. 125
The belief in conflict is not about what you think is happening around you. Conflict is a belief, that you hold in your mind, that someone or something will always take or prevent you experiencing what you desire. It is a belief that you are not fully supported by the Universe. A belief in conflict prevents peace from being present in your living experiences because it results in confusion and indecision. You have to be very vigilante, least something beyond your seeming control comes in and destroys your plans for happiness and peace. You begin to live life as a reactor, instead of being empowered to live your life as what you are, a creator. Every person that you meet, every situation that you encounter becomes a potential “enemy” that you may have to go to war with in order to have your desires fulfilled. Your life becomes a series of endless negotiations and truces, which always result in continued conflict.
By giving up the ideas you hold about conflict you allow the Universe to support your desires and bring them into fulfillment. Often the thought of giving something up signals all of our beliefs about sacrifice. But is it truly a sacrifice when you are merely letting go of ideas that have not provided a means to your desires?
The belief in conflict results in fear. Fear is a very tenacious energy. The more you fear… the more you fear, because fear feeds upon itself and grows exponentially until it encompasses your mind! As you come into a conscious awareness (knowing) that a loving Universe supports you, fear becomes a ridiculous concept.
“You who want peace can find it only by complete forgiveness…” ACIM text pg. 13
Forgiveness is thought of being an “action” you do for someone else who has caused you harm and by performing this “action” you become a better person. I believe that the only person that can bring harm us is ourselves. Our beliefs govern exactly what our experience with others and our world will appear to be. In other words, our beliefs create our “Karma” moment by moment. If I have a belief in loss, the seeds of loss are what I am planting in the garden of my consciousness and ultimately those seeds will blossom and grow. My harvest will be the fruits of loss. If I hold a belief that I am not worthy of love what I will ultimately experience is a garden full of unloving people and experiences.
The only that thing that needs to be forgiven are those beliefs that keep attracting experiences that we truly do not want. Forgiveness is an acknowledgement that what I believed could happen to me, has happened and I am willing to let those beliefs go. What beliefs (seeds) are you planting in your mind? Are you certain that they will bring you the harvest that will fulfill your desires for peace? Are you willing to let go of all the people and events that you have blamed for your lack of peace? Are you willing to stop negotiating for peace and instead make peace your responsibility? Are you willing to live peace?
“The peace of God is my one goal; the aim of all my living here, the end I seek, my purpose and my function and my life…”ACIM workbook pg. 390
When peace is all that we want…there will be peace on earth
If you are interested in learning more about “A Course of Miracle’s” teaching please visit my website: http://www.dancethespiral.com/ you can also visit: http://www.foundationforpeace.com
Blessings,
Danielle
