Peace, A Close Encounter

We live in a world that seems to thrive on conflict. Whether we watch the evening news or simply drive on a freeway we encounter a stream of disturbing thoughts, events, images, that can so easily knock us off-center. For as long as I can remember I have been a seeker of peace and tranquility, constantly looking for the eye in the storm, sanctuary from the chaos, a place, and a moment where I can breathe easy.

When I was a child, I retreated from the family drama in the creek that ran behind our house. In this natural environment, I could see, touch and appreciate the harmonious interaction of many living things. Perhaps unknowingly I was drawn by the promise of something untouched, unexplored, a life and life force beyond the confines of life as I knew it at home. At that time in my life, those were steps in the right direction; the path to peace was a hasty retreat to a known sanctuary.

As an adult who seeks to understand the most effective ways to experience peace, I no longer believe that retreating from chaos will give us true peace of mind. There is a young unenlightened child in us that mostly tells us we would be better off somewhere else right now. That there is better than here, that then is better than now. Seeking to be somewhere else than where we are creates tension in us, and that is not a path to peace but to greater distress. Although it runs contrary to my childish sensibilities, I have found greater contentment in moving closer to the difficulties that arise in my life. As I find a way to "be with" the tough stuff through acceptance of what is, I gain what retreat would seem to offer - a way out. Ironically, the only way out is through.

I still think about the escape route when things get tough, sometimes I go there, but soon I am back with a willingness to be with the situation-not heroically steeling myself, just opening my mind and heart in the midst of it all. Ironically, as I move closer, I notice the tension diminishes. If I stay with it, I notice a little space around it and see a larger context. At times when I have stayed this course, I have been rewarded like the little child in the creek as I feel the promise of something untouched, unexplored, a life and life force beyond the confines of life that I knew from a distance.

My sense is that the conflicts that divide us over matters of public safety and rights will best be solved as we each move closer to our fears, to understand more deeply what need lies hidden beneath our impassioned opinions. When that precedes public discourse, there is a chance that we will find a common heart space in which to negotiate our differences out of respect for our shared needs.

Peace and blessings,

Rev. Larry