Mo's Manic Monday - Peace

Posted: Monday, June 04, 2007 by Travis Cody in
25



Welcome to another Manic Monday with Mo. Don't forget to cruise by MM HQ at It's A Blog Eat Blog World. Today's theme is Peace. I borrowed the banner from Morgen.

Do you listen?

When someone speaks to you, do you stop and hear what they are saying?

Are you open to the words of another person?

Can you understand that someone who thinks and feels differently than you isn't stupid or evil or uninformed or somehow less important?

Can you remember a time when you spoke, and someone ignored what you had to say or shouted you down or made you feel like you were stupid or evil or uninformed or somehow less important?

There are a multitude of points of view and opinions. Until we stop and listen, truly listen, how can there be peace?

We've got one world. There is room for us all. We don't all have to think alike. We don't have to force others to think as we do. We shouldn't be forced to think like someone else.

Human history is war separated by moments of peace. Consider your initial response to being attacked. Don't you want to strike back? Don't you want to inflict pain back on the person who harmed you? There is a moment when you are prepared to hit. Do you follow through on it?

I'm not a pacifist. I never tolerated a bully. I learned how to defend myself physically. I've come to the aid of others who were over-matched or otherwise unable to defend themselves.

I haven't always been on the right side of a conflict.

What's the point of this post?

Peace is a struggle. Peace is a process. Peace is a goal. We can't have peace until all parties want it. And when all parties want it, they'll still fight against man's baser nature to defend what is his and perhaps grab a little more for himself.

But the point? The point is that peace is worth the effort.



Don't forget to fly your peace globes on Wednesday. If you don't have one, visit Mimi and she'll get you set up.

25 comments:

  1. Desert Songbird says:
    03 June, 2007 22:13

    Powerful words, my friend.

    Peace be with you and your lovely lady.

  1. Unknown says:
    03 June, 2007 23:11

    Travis --> Well said. Listening is such a difficult skill to master. It is part of the peace process.

    Thanks for the powerful words.

    peace, Villager

  1. Ian says:
    03 June, 2007 23:13

    Nicely written, Travis.

    Ian

  1. Liz Hill says:
    04 June, 2007 03:53

    You and I are such like minded folks. Well done my friend.

    Smooch

  1. Unknown says:
    04 June, 2007 04:50

    "We've got one world. There is room for us all. We don't all have to think alike. We don't have to force others to think as we do. We shouldn't be forced to think like someone else."

    Excellent - I love it! Thank you, Trav!

    LOVE&PEACE &hearts,
    Sanni

  1. Schmoop says:
    04 June, 2007 06:00

    Nice post Trav, however I was distressed to see Turnbaby's comment saying that you two are like-minded. Cheers!!

  1. Travis Cody says:
    04 June, 2007 06:22

    Songbird: Peace to you and yours as well my dear.

    Villager: Yes, difficult and so worth the effort.

    Ian: Thanks.

    Turn: Yes Ma'am we are.

    Sanni: It's all true.

    Matt: This is what happens when you get involved with Soul Patrol.

  1. Empress Bee (of the high sea) says:
    04 June, 2007 06:23

    i completely agree, however i am a realist and don't believe the people that fly planes into buildings are ready for peace. i only wish they were, i am....

    smiles, bee

  1. Travis Cody says:
    04 June, 2007 06:37

    Bee:

    Perhaps those people aren't ready for peace. I'm not naive either.

    But I am tired. I'm tired of holding entire sects responsible for the actions of radicals. I'm tired of lashing out just because we can. I'm tired of lies from both sides of the aisle.

    I don't know what the answer is. All I know is that peace is a process and we can't stop trying just because some aren't ready for it.

  1. Sarge Charlie says:
    04 June, 2007 07:13

    Thank you for your very kind words and thoughts, peace is something we all want but reality is what it is, PEACE

  1. the Book of Keira says:
    04 June, 2007 07:19

    I agree 100%!

    This is a fabulous post!

  1. Mo and The Purries says:
    04 June, 2007 07:54

    Peaceful.
    And powerful.
    You're right - both listening and peace are both worth the effort!

    peace, my friend.
    mo

  1. Lisa Ryan says:
    04 June, 2007 08:30

    well said Travis. we all need to listen more. and respect.

  1. Anonymous says:
    04 June, 2007 09:08

    Wonderful post, Travis. With today's me-me-me culture, many of us forget the importance of listening to others. And we miss out on a lot because of it.

  1. TopChamp says:
    04 June, 2007 09:40

    This is a fab post on peace. I envy your skill with words - but I'll not fight ya for it x

  1. Gail says:
    04 June, 2007 12:16

    Your words are always so inspiring, dear. I love to come here and be able to feel and share your passion in so many things.

    You are a wonderful person, and your sweet lady is VERY lucky to be your partner.

    Peace, kids. Love you.

  1. Sandee says:
    04 June, 2007 13:21

    Great post Travis. I wish everyone understood and believed what you said here. Then we would have peace. Peace :)

  1. cathy says:
    04 June, 2007 13:22

    people who fly planes into buildings may not be ready for peace but since they are pretty dead it is a mute point.

    Bush could have learned a thing or two from Ghandi, but then even as a governer in Texas he thought that killing was a solution to society's problems. If you put a butcher in charge you cannot expect him not to butcher.

    We will have peace when the men who start wars are forced to be in the front lines with the other cannon fodder.

    Thanks for trying Travis, we need more guys like you and less meatheads.

  1. Travis Cody says:
    04 June, 2007 14:54

    Sarge: Today's reality doesn't have to be tomorrow's if we can find another way.

    108: Thank you!

    Mo: I think we must keep trying. We'll make mistakes, but we mustn't let that stop us.

    Lisa: Yes, respect must be part of the process.

    Lizza: We're self-concerned and maybe we need to learn how to share better.

    TC: Awwww...you can borrow!

    Gail: Thanks darlin. I think I'm more lucky than she is.

    Comedy: We just have to keep trying to find different ways to resolve problems.

    Cathy: People who want to blow themselves up for a cause will blow themselves up. People who want freedom and justice may also resort to violence first. That's human nature. But I believe it's worth trying to increase the number of people who want to learn and grow and understand. Why teach children that there is only one reality? Teach them to think and to question...help them become leaders.

  1. Julie says:
    04 June, 2007 20:01

    Very good, as always my friend!

    One of your interesting points is "being on the right side of a conflict". I know I haven't either....many poor choices have been made by me and I'm certain many more are to happen. But it isn't always the poor choices and the conflicts they create...it's how you work yourself out of the conflicts and whether or not the relationship is hurt.

  1. Mimi Lenox says:
    04 June, 2007 21:19

    What a post, Travis. My favorite part..."Peace is a struggle. Peace is a process. Peace is a goal. We can't have peace until all parties want it. And when all parties want it, they'll still fight against man's baser nature to defend what is his and perhaps grab a little more for himself."

    But the point? The point is that peace is worth the effort."

    Well done.
    Well said.

    Peace.

  1. Danielle says:
    04 June, 2007 23:52

    How true your words are my friend.

    I hope your feeling better, try some nice vegetarian minestrone soup when your up for some food, sweets.

    As always wishing you well.

  1. Jeff Roberts says:
    05 June, 2007 06:28

    If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (Rom 12:18)

    You're right in that sometimes you gotta take a stand. And you're also right that it's a process and a goal that's worth the effort.

  1. Alice (in BC Canada) says:
    05 June, 2007 11:09

    Travis, I really like what you've written here. While I don't agree with 100% of it, I think you're very close for the most part :o) I do agree that listening, truly hearing, is a very vital part of peace and harmony, and is a skill that we all need to work on. I am currently taking a course on Nonviolent Communication based on a book of that title by an author of whose name I can't think just now... lol, I'll have to do a post on it in the very near future. It's an extremely interesting course that I can see will be life changing.

  1. Lavender says:
    07 June, 2007 03:28

    Great post Travis - well said!
    Thanks for stopping by, Cheers!

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