Blog in Peace, not in pieces

2009 April 1

by Guy

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Hi guys, confrontation

As the G20 meeting and events involving the world leaders gathered in London there was another gathering of protesters & demonstrators who descended on the capital of London to remonstrate and campaign against the G20 Summit.
Some came to stand together and voice opinions regarding the financial climate gripping the world at the moment while others decided to use harsher tactics to get their message across such as smashing windows, throwing bottles and launching missiles (beats me if I know what that means).

But the question remains: Apart from making the headline news, do demonstrations and rallies make a difference when brute force and anger is the main ingredient of the day?

Mother Teressa said it best when she was once asked why she doesn’t participate in anti war demonstrations. She went on to say that she will never do that, but as soon as someone has a pro peace rally, she’ll be there.

So, why not demonstrate with intentions of peace at heart? Why not rally with the purpose of doing good instead of bad? And why not blog with the aim of giving instead of just taking?

bankers-r Greed did have a part in the crisis that the world is in today but we’re here to learn from those mistakes (grow), voice our opinions (comment) and move forward in life (progress).

It’s a funny thing. As soon as I’ve heard of what has happened today for some reason the voice of peace entered my mind. For those, and its probably most of you, who don’t know the voice of peace was an offshore radio station broadcasting off the coast of Tel Aviv, in Israel some 25 years ago.

While growing up I used to listen to that station on a regular basis and the aim of the radio station was to communicate a message of peaceful co-existence to the volatile Middle East.

Abie Nathan, the founder, who unfortunately passed away last year would begin by reading words of peace and wisdom to the 20 million or so listeners tuning into his show.

And I’d like to share with you these words:

Go passively amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly and listen to others even the dull and ignorant they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others you may become vain and bitter for always there will be greater and lesser persons then yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career however humble it is a real possession and a changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs for the world is full of trickery but let this not blind you to what virtue there is.

Many persons strive for high ideals and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself especially do not feign affection neither be cynical about love for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the council of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune but do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Be on the wholesome discipline. Be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less then the trees and the stars you have a right to be here and whether or not it is clear to you no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with god whatever you conceive him to be and whatever your labours and aspirations
and the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams it is still a beautiful world. che-guyvara-small7