We talk about peace on Earth and good will toward out fellow human beings a lot this time of year. When I look online, I have to ask, where is it?
People share hateful thoughts far too readily. Then, other people respond with their own negativity, and it just goes on and on.
The reality is, none of us is perfect. That's why we need help finding peace on Earth. But the only shot we have at it is to try to behave at least civilly with each other.
Two suggestions:
First, take the advice of ESPN's Herm Edwards: "Don't hit send." Think before you send something that includes even a hint of hate. or mockery, or belittling anyone. And censor yourself doing things like interviews.
Even if you feel really angry.
Especially if you feel really angry.
Because anger is the opposite of peace. And what we need to do for peace on Earth is stop spreading anger.
Second, Try to put yourself in the other person's position. Sometimes they're simply being hateful or cruel. If so, pity them for their need to do so. But sometimes their position is one they have reasons for holding. Maybe it's a teaching in their faith for thousands of years, or in their culture for at least as long. Maybe what we need to do is try to do the long, slow, tedious work of making changes in those cultures.
But those changes take time. Years. Decades. Centuries. And changes such as that are not best met with anger, but rather patience, too. Patience is a key to peace, which makes it an opposite to anger, as well.
This holiday season, I wish you peace. And, if you want to be part of the solution — really part of it instead of just ranting — take the slow path. (And, yes, I'm "preaching" to myself, too.)
There's an old Christmas song. "Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Let It Begin With Me."
People share hateful thoughts far too readily. Then, other people respond with their own negativity, and it just goes on and on.
The reality is, none of us is perfect. That's why we need help finding peace on Earth. But the only shot we have at it is to try to behave at least civilly with each other.
Two suggestions:
First, take the advice of ESPN's Herm Edwards: "Don't hit send." Think before you send something that includes even a hint of hate. or mockery, or belittling anyone. And censor yourself doing things like interviews.
Even if you feel really angry.
Especially if you feel really angry.
Because anger is the opposite of peace. And what we need to do for peace on Earth is stop spreading anger.
Second, Try to put yourself in the other person's position. Sometimes they're simply being hateful or cruel. If so, pity them for their need to do so. But sometimes their position is one they have reasons for holding. Maybe it's a teaching in their faith for thousands of years, or in their culture for at least as long. Maybe what we need to do is try to do the long, slow, tedious work of making changes in those cultures.
But those changes take time. Years. Decades. Centuries. And changes such as that are not best met with anger, but rather patience, too. Patience is a key to peace, which makes it an opposite to anger, as well.
This holiday season, I wish you peace. And, if you want to be part of the solution — really part of it instead of just ranting — take the slow path. (And, yes, I'm "preaching" to myself, too.)
There's an old Christmas song. "Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Let It Begin With Me."