The world calls out each day for those I think of as “Spiritual Warriors” to respond with implements of healing, rather than weapons of war. In my mind, that would be someone who, to paraphrase Mother Teresa is willing to attend a ‘pro peace’ rather than ‘anti war’ gathering. I have found that when I feed any situation fear, anger, distrust or hatred, I empower it to continue in destructive ways. Now, that doesn’t mean that I don’t harbor those feelings. Each of our greatest peace activists were also examples of full human emotional states. I’m sure that there were some days when Mother Teresa was no Mother Teresa. I have heard His Holiness The Dalai Lama express that he feels anger even as he bears witness to compassion.
Recently I came face to face with the ways in which I disowned my full humanity, by squelching, sqooshing, denying and downplaying the emotional state of anger. I judged it as being like a wolf who seems tame on the outside, but could potentially bite someone’s head off if cornered. Rest assured….that has never happened and I prefer that the people in my life keep their heads on their shoulders.
What I have begun to accept is that when I give myself permission to feel fully, I am more authentic and my relationships are more fulfilling for both of us AND I am a greater force for good. What I cast out, I alienate and that is how enemies get born. Those parts of myself that feel disenfranchised are more likely to rise up in rebellion.
In order to be a peacemaker, I need to ‘be the change I wish to see in the world’.
How can you embrace ALL of who you are, so that no part of you is left out in the cold?
Be The Change (a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi) by M.C. Yogi
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