Be The Change
This familiar quote can be seen from a deep perspective or just a cliché. I had this inscribed on a ring to remind me that Being is more critical than doing. Growing up in the “we can change the world” generation; it seemed to me for years to be about doing. About protesting, about finding your passion, about accomplishment. And by the way, those things are great and I enjoyed them. And that is not what the quote is pointing to. Ghandi knew that change is an internal process; that the life we live is really an inside-out focus.
Being the change means if we want peace, we have to give peace, if we want love, we have to give love, if we want forgiveness, we have to forgive. And beyond the actions of loving or peaceful exchange is the being – there is quite a difference between looking for peace and being peace. For me of late, it has occurred in the small actions…someone doesn’t show up on time, a package I sent is lost in the mail, a person I counted on is no longer available. Then I notice the opportunity to view it differently – to shift to a new perception – to choose again.
I won’t say it is easy – a lifetime of habits of looking for the outside world to get it together – to finally see collaboration instead of conspiracy – or more acceptance and equality then division and polarities. When did I miss that none of those things can happen when I am in a place of dissatisfaction and frustration?
What is the change you want right now- in your personal world or the one we share? (they really are the same). Whatever the answer; look within…check out the level of beingness you have on that subject. Be gentle with yourself -it’s as simple as “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”.
