Thursday, November 04, 2010

Dona Nobis Pacem

It's the day for BlogBlastforPeace!! Yay! To read other peace blogs today, just click over to dear Mimi's blog. She started this whole "blasted" thing. ♥

I read the English translation for Dona Nobis Pacem and it is "Give us Peace."

I have to say that I don't like the phrase as much now. It implies passivity on our part. It implies that the peace must come from somewhere outside of our control. Some of it must, of course, as we deal with other human beings in this world for whom peace is not a priority, but most of it must come from within us.

I don't think it's something that is given as a gift. Peace is a mindset that we put into practice (or not) on a decision by decision basis. Every moment of every day we are making decisions that affect our own personal peace, the peace of friends, family, coworkers or others in our community and these decisions spiral out and affect the world.

It's not a matter of waiting passively for some being outside of us to grant us peace. It's a matter of choosing peace in the little things as well as the big things.

At least some bit of world peace is up to each of us.

Peace begins with a smile.
Mother Teresa 


Have you ever felt the relief when someone you thought was angry with you smiled at you?
Have you felt the calming effects of a smile from someone you love when you're feeling nervous?

Little things can have huge impact.
Little smiles.
Little hugs.
Little pats on the shoulder.
Little compliments.
A little forgiveness.
A little understanding.
A little minding our own business.
A little reaching out.
A little centering.
A little love.
A little magick. :)

It's all up to us today.

13 comments:

rose AKA Walk in the Woods - she/her said...

I feel much the same … that we are responsible for creating what we desire and need in this life. Peace is no exception. :) As for smiles and hugs and the rest … what beautiful actions to create peace in our lives. Thanks for sharing.

Peace.

The Traveler said...

I believe that peace cannot be achieved in any way except by finding it within yourself. That we all have it inside ourselves and it cannot be taken, only given up. If everyone tended their own peace it would be prevalent.

Lisa said...

Rose, they are definitely more fun than fighting for it. :)

Traveler, "it cannot be taken, only given up." I like that a lot.

Carolina Cats said...

That's a furry thot-provoking post. Fank you for sharing yore thots wif us. We will make owr mombean think on them. We will just purr and be peaceful.

Sending hugs & peaceful purrs,
Finny Buddy & Princess Jazzy

Anndi said...

Peace is a light that shines from within... sometimes when we smile at someone or offer a kindness or compassion, we ignite their light.

Peace and smile

☮ & ♥

Raven said...

Well and truly spoken. :-) (a smile for peace) Peace.

Giggles said...

I agree Lisa...beautifully said. Much Peace to you!

Hugs Giggles

Sherry Blue Sky said...

YOU ARE SO RIGHT. Not something we wait passively for it to happen but something we are, a way of being......a respect we extend to others' in recognition of their rights and needs.......love what you wrote!

Travis Cody said...

I agree that we should actively work for Peace. We're all Peace ripples.

Peace to you and yours.

Stacy said...

Thank you for this post—I agree so much! I do believe that a greater grace from beyond ourselves may be necessary, but that doesn't absolve us from responsibility for our own actions, from our own choices to create or respond peacefully. And I love what Anndi said about igniting someone else's light with our own.

Peace be with you.

Annelisa said...

Totally agree about the little things...especially that one when you think someone's angry at you and they smile...I had a phonecall recently from someone I thought was mad at me, and when they said, 'don't be daft' I have never felt such relief! Made it all alright again! and that sort of little thing every day makes for a 'whole lot of better'!

Wishing you peace and harmony x

Mimi Lenox said...

What say we take this round blogtable discussion and head on over to the United Nations. We could sew this matter up in no time.
You think I'm kidding?
I kid not.

Reading through those comments enlightened me, building upon ideas, speaking the truth. Power. Such power.

Thank you for blogging for peace and being such an integral part of this movement.

"started this whole blasted thing" cracked me up

You are #1933 in the Official Peace Globe Gallery at blogblastforpeace.com

Peace to you and yours,
Mimi

Annelisa said...

Your peace post is now linked in my blog: Peace Bloggers Unite