As I asked about this month’s meditation, Finding Strength Through Peace came in. I learned later that many leaders have talked about peace through strength, which suggests using military power to preserve peace.
It is amazing a simple change of words can drastically change the message.
Finding strength through peace is about accessing the strength that we don’t know we have until we connect with the peace deep within us. Feeling at peace is a common feedback I receive from participants in these monthly meditations.
When we feel deep peace, the nervous system restores to its optimal condition. It opens us to innate wisdom, creativity and courage to resolve what might have seemed unresolvable. This type of strength is different from muscle power.
Being determined and forceful has its place. I’ve found that feeling at peace makes it easier for me to let go of the need to be right. I don’t feel I need to prove myself, and others meet me in unexpected and delightful ways.
During my recent trip, I met a florist near a bus stop across my hotel. The florist was adamant that I needed to connect with Jesus. After listening to her for a while, I mentioned that I helped people by connecting them with the Divine.
She challenged me when I said Jesus, Quan Yin, other gods and goddesses from different traditions were tied to the same source or energy. I appreciated that she identified with Jesus, and I have seen miracles from working with all aspects of the Divine.
My intent was to speak into what I knew; it wasn’t about making her wrong. Because I was not threatened by her comment and I wasn’t trying to defend my position, I could express myself in a way that allowed her to take in my words.
Our connection was a gift. I still remember her waving enthusiastically at me across the street as I was leaving for the airport. Her warm goodbye touched me deeply, helping me realize the affinity we had for each other.
The encounter with the florist made me wonder what the world would be like if we all choose to embrace our differences with loving acceptance. What if we make peace and love more important than following certain dogma or tradition?
In the spirit of celebrating our unity, I invite you to the meditation this Friday. Sign up if you have been feeling unsettled, anxious or overwhelmed. If you are an annual subscriber, you will receive a reminder later.
As within, so without. As we change, the world outside of us changes as well. The energy and attention we put in these monthly sessions support ourselves and those around us.