Many dreams commence with peace,
as do many that wish to end there. But just like happiness, peace is elusive,
whether we discuss inner peace, relational peace, or regional peace. Perhaps
peace commences in a smile and finds its meaning in understanding:
“Peace
begins with a smile.”
~Mother Teresa
“Peace
cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”
~Albert Einstein
The Commencement In A Smile
A smile is so simple, yet we are
apt to completely miss the elegant simplicity implicit in our smiles because we
do not give ourselves completely to them. A smile is so solemn. A smile
reverberates from our facial muscles through the rest of us.
Inner peace can be trialled in the
moment we reach for a smile. When we grasp it we have it. It can be found
convincing when we steady our conscious thought to consider the influence our
smiles have over even us.
Then, there is the irrefutable
power for peace in our smiles as they unfold in the lives of others. Suddenly our
smiles are responsible for the achievement of understanding. Barriers are
lowered and trust is nurtured. People seeing us enjoy life subliminally wish to
enjoy their lives, too.
The Achievement In Understanding
If we commence being at peace with
ourselves through a simple smile, and such an action of love proves contagious
in the midst of others, because there is no force in a smile, then
understanding can be forged.
Peace is achieved through
understanding; both via our understanding ourselves, and accepting our status
quo, our conscious and unconscious minds aligned, and by mutual understanding. Understanding is central in the authentic
congruence of peace.
By understanding we have reached
agreement. And agreement is working in unison for a common cause; whether within
ourselves or between parties or nationally or internationally.
***
Peace begins with a smile and it
finds its completion in understanding.
We all want peace but we often
shirk at the cost, personally or interpersonally, that it will require of us.
Such comparatively large cost, however, is transacted never more simply than
via surrender.
We all want peace, but how much do we want it?
Is it worth the sacrifice? It is
worth the sacrifice.
When we commit to smiling by our
demeanour, even when things are tough, and to fight for understanding, when all
is confused, we are on the path to peace.
When we can smile when we don’t
want to, and choose to understand when we don’t, then we know we want peace. Peace can be a hard thing,
but it’s really an easy thing.
© 2012 S. J. Wickham.
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