Responding to Conflict

During moments of conflict, Alberto and I are sometimes asked why we keep silent, why we don’t add our voices in support of one side or another, why we don’t publish inflammatory remarks or images, why we don’t condemn what we see. How, we are asked, can we be silent when image after image shows evidence of the inhumanity and cruelty being perpetrated?

Of course, at times, I feel overwhelmed by anger and despair at what I see. I keep asking myself: when are people going to wake up?  When are they going to realize that war solves nothing, no matter the arguments from either side?

It is by choice that we retreat from the heavily-charged emotions and drama. It is by choice that we disengage from destructive and negative energies. There are enough people voicing their outrage, their condemnation, not only on the streets, but on social media and media of all kinds. There is no doubt that awareness of this situation exists. The big question is: now that we are aware, how do we proceed?

Experience has shown Alberto and I, over and again, that wherever we place our attention and our energies, especially passionate ones, will inevitably manifest in our reality in ways we can’t even imagine. Let me give you a simple example that happened to us just today that powerfully demonstrates what we mean. During lunch with a friend, we spoke at length about our recent experiences with people who invade our personal space asking for donations to the charity or cause they represent. It was a passionate conversation with each of us sharing our different stories. Not ten minutes into our conversation, a woman approached our table and, leaning into us, began to ask for money, in the same intense way that we were describing at that moment. The restaurant was full, and our table was in the center of the floor, but she, as if pulled by some invisible thread, came directly to us first. She eventually made her way around all the tables, but we couldn’t help but be amazed at this indisputable synchronicity.

This is but one small example of so many more we can share that demonstrate how intense, focused attention on any subject can make it appear in our reality.

We certainly don’t condemn those who choose to condemn. We applaud the efforts of those trying to create change in whichever way they feel works best for them, and which honors their beliefs and who they are. When we see angry protests, judgments of right and wrong, attempts to create divisions, calls for retribution… to us, these are energies which are adding to the anger, the judgment, the divisions that already exist. Despite their often noble intentions, by focusing so much negatively-charged attention, we feel that they may be amplifying the conflict more than healing it.

We prefer to seek out those who are choosing to create peace and reconciliation despite the horrors they are living. We place our energies and attention on the builders and peace-makers. Although the media may not report on them, they exist. Among them are: Palestine-loves-Israel, Israel-loves-Palestine, Iran-loves-Israel & Palestine, Parents Circle - Families Forum, YaLa-Young Leaders, Jews and Arabs Refuse to be Enemies, Jerusalem Hug, The Peace Factory, Peace It Together, Leading Leaders for Peace, and so many more.

We look within, always, to heal the divisions within our own hearts, from the personal to the emotional and spiritual, believing that inner peace and unity will manifest in outer peace and unity. As Gandhi said, we must be the peace we wish to see in the world.

We hold the image of a united people in our minds, feeding it with our thoughts and belief that it is not only possible, but happening, using the examples of the above-mentioned groups as a foundation.

Above all else, we remember that we chose our life and circumstances for a purpose, just as surely as every single human being on this earth has similarly chosen, for reasons our earthly minds cannot fathom, but which a greater Wisdom and Love does indeed comprehend.

And as difficult as it is to do, we hold on to the belief that, no matter how heart-wrenching the imagery or stories told, the life of each and every one of these individuals served a grand purpose in their spiritual journey and the journeys of all those whose lives they touched.

The days, or moments, when we feel strong and connected with Source, we extend the Light and Love to envelop all of creation, sensing this energy penetrate to the Divine core of every being, just as we feel it penetrating ours. In this way, we lift ourselves and the world around us.

In the silence, we create #peace.

#makepeace #iampeace #JewsandArabsRefuseToBeEnemies.