True peace comes from the heart

We gathered recently at the Center for Peaceful Living to celebrate the International Day of Peace, joining our intentions for peace with millions of people around the world.

Sitting in our circle in the yurt surrounded by the woods of Alaska, we thought about those people on other continents celebrating and committing to peace in so many different ways. From silent vigils to concerts, from groups of thousands to individuals and families, from marches to seminars, people around the world opened their hearts to conceive a world as seen from space — no political boundaries, no separation, just one beautiful world.

The energy from our event filled the room and radiated out into the clear night. We drummed and sang, meditated and reflected, determined what we were ready to let go of and what we were ready to commit to. We gathered outdoors around a bonfire to set our intentions free in the fire and then gathered indoors again for delicious refreshments and a chance to visit with old friends and make new friends.

It felt wonderful to gather for such an event, and even better to know that we were part of something so much bigger. When most of the news we hear is bad news, sometimes it’s hard to remember there are people all over the world who are working for, praying for and committing to peace. Transcending the differences created by politics, religions and ethnicities, we seek the common ground found in our hearts.

Albert Einstein said we cannot solve a problem at the same level of consciousness that created the problem. This means we can’t just think our way through the issues facing our world today. We can’t fall back on the old standbys of using force, manipulation, exploitation and deceit to accomplish a world of peace among humans and with all beings. We need to drop our affectations and our armor and meet each other where we experience our oneness — in our hearts.

In fact, one of the worldwide activities that took place leading up to International Peace Day was called the “Hello, from My Heart” campaign. It was suggested that every time you answered the phone you say, “Hello, from My Heart.” You were encouraged to begin your e-mails with, “Hello, from My Heart.” The practice of actually saying this can help us to feel our connection with others at this higher and deeper level. It is at this level where we can begin to create a peaceful world.

Our local celebration of International Peace Day was small this year, but we know the ripples are still making their way around the world. We are hoping that others will be inspired to participate next year. It’s not too soon to begin making plans for a much bigger event next year to include many more people. If you are interested in planning or participating in our peace day celebration next year, please call at 373-1526 or Ley Schleich at 373-0623.

Peace must grow in our hearts every day for it to become a reality. Please join me in making a commitment to choose our highest and best choices, and just possibly to begin answering the phone with, “Hello, from My Heart.”

Delisa Renideo is director of the Center for Peaceful Living, www.center4peacefulliving.org. She can be reached at 373-3044.