For immediate release
EKSJÖ, SWEDEN
Nine Paths to Peace
by Eva Dillner
Recent global unrest may cause us individually to feel powerless, that there is nothing we can do. However, every action, thought or feeling reverberates throughout the universe, no matter how big or small. Here are nine ways each and every one of us can make a difference.
1. Paint for Peace The founder of Vedic Art, Curt Källman, has a vision where we rush in with our easels on the battlefield between two armies and paint for peace. One painting group did get together right at the start of the Irak war. They were amazed at the amount of light they painted that weekend. On your own, or with a group of kindred spirits, get out your paper and crayons, or oils and acrylics. It doesn't matter if you are an amateur or professional, everyone has a little kid inside who knows how to have fun just playing with shapes and colors. Let your inspiration guide you to fill the canvas with light and love and healing. If you want, you can get one big sheet and everyone gets to add their unique touch to it. When you are finished, take a moment to feel how your work has reverberated into the world.
2. Give a True Gift A true gift is something we do or give freely from the heart, with no expectation of something in return. A true gift is given without obligation. It is given in the spirit of joy. It can be a helping hand, a smile, a note or phone call just to let someone know you care. It can also be larger things like money and material gifts. You may want to give a gift to yourself, perhaps reflecting on where you spend your life energy. Is it for the highest good for you and others?
3. Take up the Talking Stick When dialogue escalates to a shouting match, take up the Talking Stick. A tradition as old as the North American continent, used by Indian tribes to make sure everyone had their say. When two or more are gathered, place a symbolic Talking Stick in the middle. Take a moment to center yourselves, let the day go and connect with your own inner wisdom. Then, whoever feels moved to speak, picks up the talking stick and holds it while communicating from that inner space. Interruptions are not allowed. While one speaks the others focus on listening, really taking in what is being said. The talking stick is returned to the middle when the speaker feels there is no more to say. There may be pauses and silences. Each person who feels moved to speak, picks up the talking stick and repeats the process. It may take many turns before everything that needs to be said and heard has percolated and bubbled up and through. It takes as long as it takes.
4. Use Humor To lighten up, use the playful expression of curiosity. When we get in touch with the kid inside, it is much easier to find sensible solutions. As kids we knew how to play, to not take ourselves so seriously. If the talking stick exercise above feels too heavy, do it like a kid would. Get out your favorite stuffed animal and use it as a talking symbol. Try it. It works. The author used a dalmatian puppy named Lucas as a talking stick at her Play with Possibilities workshop. The Talking Dog exercise caught on like a house on fire.
5. Dance for Peace Dance has got to be one of the most ancient forms of movement there is. Every culture on earth dances. When we dance freely, listening to our bodies and our needs, when we dance simply for the joy of it, we are free. Endorphins are released and we no longer care who is right or wrong. You can dance anywhere and anyhow, to all types of music. Don't let the absence of a stereo stop you. Imagine the music in your head and let yourself be transported to another time, when we danced around the fires simply for the joy of being alive.
6. Meditate Meditation, contemplation, daydreaming, or whatever you care to call those moments spent with yourself can work wonders for settling down erratic energies. You don't have to be a guru, or dress weird or become a contortionist to do this. Everyone can meditate anywhere and under any circumstances. It doesn't matter if you are at a busy airport or alone in the forest, meditation is a tool that travels with you wherever you go. Simply sit or lie down, close your eyes and shift your attention inward. Putting your focus on a space a few inches below the navel in your body is one good way to connect with your self. There is nothing to achieve, nothing to resolve other than being centered in YOU for the next five to twenty minutes. Let yourself breathe naturally. You will feel a stronger connection to self while contributing inner calm to the rest of the world. How's that for empowerment?
7. Resolve Your Own Conflicts When world events catch our attention it is easy to get wrapped up in what "they" need to do to solve the problem. Use the age-old wisdom "think globally then act locally" to turn the attention back home. Are there conflicts in your own life that are still festering? Words that should be spoken, hatchets to be buried, feelings of forgiveness or cobwebs of the mind to clear out? Now would be a good time to write that letter of unfinished business. Many such letters belong in the trash can instead of the mail. It is easy to want to project painful feelings onto others. Use your judgement to discern what is for your own inner process.
8. Pray for Peace Praying is probably about as American as Apple Pie, but it works. It doesn't matter what your beliefs are, turning your problems over to a Higher Source is a path to peace. See yourself sending light to situations, places, self or others. On an individual level we can't see forever, but that something else, whatever you call it, does. Ask IT to help. Contrary to some beliefs, IT doesn't choose sides in conflicts. The solution may not be what you think it should be...
9. Start a Healing Network The more each and every one of us heals our inner wounds, the more we heal the world. With the help of a self help book, such as Eva Dillner's God put a Dream in my Heart - Handbook of Life Therapy or Louise Hay's You Can Heal Your Life, start a healing network. You don't have to know how to do the work before you start. Make a commitment to meet on a regular basis, a few hours per week or a weekend a month. Select a leader for each session to read from the book. Do the exercises together, then dialogue about your experiences. One of the best ways to learn is to share and practice with other people.
Eva Dillner is a Swedish-American author who has published three books in English on therapy, personal growth, organizations and relationships. In June 2006, she released an MP3/iPod audio book on living in the NOW in Swedish. Within a week it climbed to number five on the library top ten list. Eva is setting her sights on touring North America and the British Isles in 2007, building on the successful ten country tour of continental Europe in late 2005. Her website is www.divinedesign.nu Review copies of books available on request.
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July 17, 2006 © Eva Dillner
