Season of Advent: Peace, Day 7

Season of Advent: Peace, Day 7

Reading:

“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”[1]

Reflection:

For lasting peace to prevail between two people or nations, there must first exist a foundation of mutual respect and trust, some degree of understanding of the other, and an acknowledgement that all points of view have value. I do not have to agree with someone to co-exist peacefully with them. I do not even have to like them. I do, however, have to accept and respect their right to believe as they do. What we most fear is revealed in what we cannot discuss civilly. Peace cannot be present when one or more sides become defensive, which occurs when we feel threatened. As long as another person’s point of view on a particular topic threatens me, we will be unable to have a peaceful or productive discussion on the topic. The source of my fear needs to be addressed first. When defensiveness enters a conversation, minds slam shut. When minds slam shut, there can be no dialogue, because productive dialogue requires giving and receiving, but closed minds cannot receive.

An open mind is willing to hear and consider alternate points of view without feeling its own beliefs or interests are being threatened. Just because we seek to understand another does not require us to believe as they do, only that we accept them as they believe. Open minds create opportunities to uncover higher truths which do not threaten individual beliefs but include and transcend them. These higher truths, once reached, do not threaten either party but respect what is important to all sides. Striving for higher truths allows for civil interaction between people and countries. Only by working to find higher truths will we live in a more peaceful world.

Closing Meditation:

Which of my relationships would most benefit from finding a higher truth?

How can I begin that process today?

Journal the thoughts and feelings that arise.

This daily series, Contemplative Christmas, is replacing my weekly Life Notes until January 6, 2025, when my weekly blog will resume. The thoughts expressed here are mine. To engage with me: ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Quote attributed to Albert Einstein