Tag: reaction

The Roots of Nonviolence.

There was a question posed during this weekend’s meditation – what is the nonviolent response to violence? That is to say, how do we effect the essence of peace in a world that has become increasingly intolerant? More specifically, how do we change that which is so deeply ingrained?

Our habit begs immediate reaction, though to what end? We want to see the outcome of our labor – now, not later…not, ‘in time’. Though, our response is often steeped in visceral emotions further complicated by the obstinannce of ego. In these clouded thoughts, we often lose our way; we forget how it feels to know a strong and lasting peace.

The moment we visit the headlines we feel oddly unsuited – separate from an all too familiar whole. And, because we don’t understand we become further isolated. Our breath reminds, though is it enough?

Author and Zen Buddhist Greg Snyder writes: “The Buddha was clear: thinking is action, and action has effects…if we want this violence in our nation to end, each of us has to do the work of clarifying the ways we have internalized and normalized the lethal opposition of domination and humiliation in response to life.”

Yes, we may fear – though, fear does not own us. How we treat others – the actions arising from thought – this is what defines us. And everything we wish – equanimity, peace, kindness – must find it’s roots first in the heart’s fertile soil.

In peace, my friends…

Namaste ❣

The Path to Twitter Peace.

This morning as I was driving to work a young woman swerved recklessly into my lane. My first response was a knee-jerk reaction, to move quickly out of the way. Followed, in turn, by anger. Did she not see me? What was she thinking? Couldn’t she have been more careful?

I didn’t know this woman, nor could I have possibly understood her circumstances. Maybe, she was ill? Or, perhaps there was a fault with the car? So many factors to consider, though – nonetheless, in that split second she became a threat.

As she drove away (and all were confirmed safe), that should have been the end of it. Yet, there was a certain sense still lingering – the sting of reaction in response to our fear.

Though the two often appear inseparable, there is a profound delineation. Reaction, empowering our view of ‘self’ and response, measuring our love of all else.

We are defined not by our moments, but rather our response to them. The late for work panicked rush, the spilled coffee and inconsiderate drivers.

As the Buddha taught, we should strive to be liberated from – not bound to – our anger. “In this world, hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed.”

And yet, as I sift through the headlines and Twitter feeds this morning I am struck by our recklessness towards it. We have established this global platform to raise awareness, though sadly – it’s being utilized to wage war.

Just as the young woman swerving into traffic, our first instinct is to react – to blast the horn, to scream and shout. But, what does that gain in the end? Equanimity, tolerance and engaged compassion? Or, the substance for further divide?

Jack Kornfield writes,

“In our hardships, we discover the courage not to succumb, not to retreat, not to strike out in fear and anger. And by resting in a non-contentious heart we become a lamp, a medicine, a strong presence; we become the healing the world so dearly needs.”

In peace, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❤️