Believing in Peace

Here is what I believe.

“If there is violence in my heart there is violence in the world and so it goes that when there is peace in my heart there is more space and hope for peace in the world”.

 

I want to share some writings from the Gernika Peace Museum which I visited in July this year.

What is Peace?

Peace is a positive energy deeply rooted in life, in ourselves  and in our desires and capabilities. It is peace which uses non-violence in its battles, in its blind faith that we can still  change the world.”

Where do we find peace?

It emerges naturally from the most unexpected corners, and on occasions it is totally unexpected. It may be glimpsed in the eyes of a child, in loyalties, in lively and joyful scenes, humour and mutual support, in a mother’s hugs, in the happy smiles of a group of children splashing around in a pool in a group of old people walking along telling stories, or in a helping hand for a fallen opponent.

Peace is a common ground for mutual support, co-existence and expression of our feelings. It is precisely there, where we meet up with people so we can provide support and encouragement for each other.

It is a categorical “yes” to life.

Positive Peace

Positive peace is co-operation, working together, mutual assistance, mutual understanding and trust. It is an active kind of association, the main feature of which is mutual benefit from a positive relationship (J.P. Lederach).

Negative Peace

Working towards peace does not mean closing one’s eyes to problems, seeking out a bubble of happiness or searching for an ideal world because here are times at which the kind of peace which emerges is negative peace. Here there is no violence, war or bellicose behaviours, but this is the result of an agreement, of a balance of power which is occasionally weak,in which violence may bide its time.

Conflict engagement means, for me, acknowledging difference as they arise. Seeking to understand and be understood. empathising with needs. Exploring options in which our needs can be met. Staying open to all possibilities. Being honest. And staying present.

Conflict engagement for me is different to acquiescing, compromising, conceding to keep the peace. It means honestly expressing my needs and listening deeply to the needs of others. It means working actively to transform my enemy images when threaten to confuse or derail my deeper intentions. This is a moment by moment, step by step process.

For me, Conflict engagement and peace are pro-active and intentional.