"Peace is taken from us by two myths: the idea that we are separate from each other, and the idea that everything in life is best understood by reducing it to its smallest parts and analyzing how they work" (Diamond, 2000, p. xv). Believing that we are separate from each other is a huge problem, and it is causing us extreme harm. Realizing that what we do affects everyone is important to the world, and I believe that realizing that we are all connected will help bring peace to the world. I think it is important for us to be observers and to realize that the world is not at our whim, and we should realize and participate in affecting everything in a positive way.
As people we "need to know who we are and what is important to us before we can reach out to meet another" (Diamond, 2000, p.30). This is important because we need to understand ourselves before we can positively affect others. Another important reason for self study is because "understanding self helps us to move into situations with confidence" and "move from our center with integrity" (Diamond, 2000, p.30).
Many people have emotional and mental wounds and that can be healed through finding spirit. "Split from spirit is damaging to our very core, and there can be no real inner peace until we somehow mend this relationship" (Diamond, 2000, p.45). Journeys change through different experiences, and spiritual journeys never end.
It is important for people to realize that "inner peace is fundamentally a state of spiritual connection, and if that connection is flawed or marred by an overlay of anger, grief, or distrust, the circuit cannot be completed" (Diamond, 2000, p.45). This suggests that inner peace can not be achieved if one is not attuned with their own spirit.
Finding the energy of peace "in order to vibrate with the energy of peace, we need to plug in directly to the source" (Diamond, 2000, p.45). In order to have peace we need to find what brings us peace; this relates again to understanding self. I find it to be true that "we all have different doorways to this home base," and "some of us work best through imagery, others through metaphor, still others sounds, word, movement, direct bodily experience" (Diamond, 2000, p. 46). Breath work, meditation, and listening to music are all simple ways that one can find peace. Going back to our "place of beauty" can help us achieve inner peace (Diamond, 2000, p.48). It is not important how we get to this place, but that we get there to find rest. All things need rest to grow, and live through the rest of our day with peace.
Bring inner peace to the outside is the next step of attaining peace; "peace around us and peace within us are intimately related to one another" (Diamond, 2000, p.48). Inner peace radiates out towards others on a level that is natural; this inner peace can change the energy of those around us. It is important to realize that this must be practiced continually. Practicing breathing can help convey peace outward. Inner peace and outer peace are a cycle, and the more inner peace you have the more outer peace you can convey.
References:
Diamond, L. (2000). The courage for peace. New York, NY: Conari.
